From Ikenga, honour to entertainment icons

MD Ikenga, Chris Nwandu presenting the plaque to Shaibu Husseini at the Rutam House. In the background is veteran broadcaster and journalist, Benson Idonije


BY CHUKS NWANNE
For their role in building the country’s entertainment industry to its present flourishing state, Ikenga Entertainment recently honoured some Nigerian media practitioners. Tagged the Society Entertainment & Style Editors Nite Of Honour (SESE Nite), the event, which was held at the White House, Toyin Street, Ikeja Lagos, brought together forerunners in the country’s entertainment industry under one roof.
Spiced with music performances by some up-coming artistes – a deliberate move by Ikenga to give young talents that desired opportunity to showcase their talents on a big stage – the award ceremony, which is in its first edition, was divided into four different categories; Sese Pointmen, Sese Icons, Sese Czars and the Post Humous award.
Among the 13 Sese Pointment awardees at the event include Ogbonnaya Amadi of Vanguard Newspapers, The Guardian’s Shuaibu Hussein, Azu Arinze of Encomium Magazine, Charles Nwagbara of Hight Society, Justin Akpovi-Esade of HiTV (formerly of The Guardian), Bola Salako of Silverbird, Tope Olukole of Nigezie and others.
Recipients of the Sese Icons awards include Kenny & D1 of Primetime Africa, Femi Akintunde Johnson (publisher Treasure magazine), Jacob Akintunde Johnson of Silverbird, Femi Sowoolu of Radio Continental, Kunle Bakare of Encomium magazine, Mayor Akinpelu of Fame Magazine and Ruth Osime of Thisday and The Guardian’s Jahman Anikulapo,
Bashorun Dele Momodu (Ovation Magazine), Ladi Ayodele, Bisi Olatilo and Muyiwa Adetiba were among practitioners that got the Sese Czar awards, while Post Humous awards were presented in the memory of broadcaster Steve Kadiri, Ifeanyi Ikennor, Hakeem Ikandu and Wale Olomu.
Some dignitaries at the event include DG, Nigeria Film & Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Emeka Mba, Charles and Amaka Igwe, Emma Ogosi, Dele Abiodun and a host of others.
Speaking during their visit to The Guardian to present awards to the duo of Jahman Anikulapo and Shuaibu Hussein, who were on official assignment as at the time of the ceremony, the president of Ikenga Entertainment, Chris Kehinde Nwandu, informed that, “the initiative is borne out a genuine need for us to identify media practitioners who have over the years, remained in the vanguard of promoting the phenomenal growth we have noticed in the entertainment industry in the area of movies, music, fashion and style, society and even comedy. Most of them have remained unsung, so we felt there is the need to celebrate them.”
In his acceptance speech, the Editor, Anikulapo, commended the initiators for their foresight, which he noted, would encourage young journalists in their quests for excellence in the field.
“Chris is one of the people that played a vital role in music reporting in the country and I’m happy that he came up with this initiative. I don’t usually participate in awards events or fancy awards and generally, but I’ve watched Ikenga Entertainment for long now and I know their contributions to the industry. It feels good to be honoured by people from your constituency; I feel honoured by this award.”
Anikulapo also charged the organisation to do more in the area of training for young reporters in the field.
“That’s the only way we can get the best out of them. I think Ikenga can do more in terms of organising workshops and training for practitioners. A lot of the entertainment journalists concentrate more on writing about celebrities instead of reporting music and movies. I believe there’s urgent need to re-focus practitioners towards the part of professionalism and Ikenga is in the right position to do that,” he said.

For the poet, they gathered

(L-R) Odia Ofeimun; Guest lecturer, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani; Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chairman of the event; and Ambassador Segun Olusola, Chairman, African Refugees Foundation.


FOR the poet, Odia Ofeimun, it was a birthday well earned last Tuesday, March 16, 2010, as the world gathered to celebrate his 60th birthday. The event, which drew elite, artists, family and friends was organised by Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), in collaboration with Odia Ofeimun Committee of Friends.
The celebrations started in the morning with a lecture at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.
The Director General of CBAAC, Prof Tunde Babawale, in his welcome address, explained the parastatal’s primary decision to collaborate with the Odia Ofeimun Committee of Friends, “in recognition of the celebrant’s sterling qualities and his contributions to scholarship, arts and culture.”
The CBAAC head went on to underscore Ofeimun’s contribution to human capital development.
“As a poet, Ofeimun’s verses initiated a paradigm shift in the ethics and aesthetics of the poetry of socio – political engagement in Nigeria,” he said.
Entitled Sudan and Congo: What lessons for Nigeria? and delivered by the Columbia University, USA, scholar, Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, the lecture renewed the search for all-inclusive reforms in all key institutional frameworks that hold the country together.
The guest lecturer was unequivocal in his recommendation: “One lesson of Congo and Sudan is that it may be time to rethink the legacy of both the colonial past and the reforms you (Nigerians) undertook to end the civil war.”

The evening event was a festival of culture, poetry, music and dance. There were poetry renditions by Chike Ofili, Jumoke Verissimo, Toyin Akinoso and Remi Raji. There was also dance drama presentation by Crown Troupe of Africa led by Segun Adefela and performance of The Feast Of Returns — a drama by Odia Ofemiun and directed by Felix Okolo
Highpoint of the event was cutting of birthday cake by the celebrant and a few friends and colleagues.

Odia, a native of Iruekpen in Ekuma, popularly known as Ekpoma, was influenced by his grandfather to embrace education at an early age. This marked the beginning of his obsession for knowledge.
With his exposure to literature and works of critics of religion and society such as Tolstoy, Rousseau, Obafemi Awolowo, and Wole Soyinka, the bible and even quoran, he became an accomplished writer.
Odia, who wanted to be a Chemical Engineer, but was forced to abort that dream after the death of his father, won the Nichols Fonlon prize in 2010.

All for their hubbies

BY OMIKO AWA
THE Thriving Business Women Fellowship (TBWF), an interdenominational business fellowship platform that empowers women for wealth creation alongside prayer, organised its yearly U and I Event on February 27 with the theme “Just the two of us.”
The event, specially meant for married people and singles already in courtship, started in 2008 under the umbrella of Daystar Christian Centre, until March 2009, when it became the business arm of Victorious Praying Women Ministry (VPWN).
The gathering spiced with games and Bible principles on marriage amidst serenading background music that could rejuvenate marriages is aimed to bond, appreciate and celebrate spouses in cozy, and relaxed atmosphere.
According to the Co-ordinator, Mrs. Mayokun Oreofe, “the feast is to tell our husbands that no matter the height of our success, in business and in life, we still remain loving and submissive wives to them.”
This year’s gathering, being the third in the series, marked the group’s second anniversary.
To celebrate this, prizes were given to hubbies of members, for encouraging their wives whose immense contributions have led to the increase of members and better service.
The fellowship, which is divided into sub-groups for effectiveness and efficiency gave out prizes to some group members, which include Mr. and Mrs. Salawu of Abigael group; Mr. and Mrs. Esada Igwe (Deborah); Mr. and Mrs. Niyi Alake (Esther); Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Ekpeyon (Hannah); Mr. and Mrs. Akinwande (Elizabeth); and Mr. and Mrs. Adebisi. Others are Mr. and Mrs. Oni (Dorcas); Mr. and Mrs. Olunuga (Naomi); Mr. and Mrs. Adetola Mafe; Mr. and Mrs. Olaniyu (Praise team); and Mr. and Mrs. Kuti; while leadership award went to Mr. and Rev. Ogunleye.
Holy Mallam anchored the programme while Perception band thrilled guest with titillating tunes.

Saving and smiling

Esene, Adimorah, Isichei and Obijiaku at the presentation of cheque ceremony

BY GREGORY AUSTIN NWAKUNOR
“WHEN I was called on phone that I’ve won a million, I was so shocked that I had to lie to the guy on phone, thinking it was one of the fraudsters,” said Osaze Nwayo Kiyem, a 28 year-old mechanic, who was one of the winners at the recent promo of Fidelity Bank in Lagos.
The native of Orhionmwon, Edo State, said, “ it was my branch manager at 4 Burma Road, Apapa, who called to convince me that what I heard was true.”
And when he came down, he, like two others, Adimorah Patrick Chikwado and Chimebere Okafor discovered that they had become millionaires.
In the words of Abdul-Rahman Esene, executive director, Investment Banking and Public Sector, the event marks another day in the bank’s efforts to recognise its customers. “That’s why we embarked on this Save and Smile, where we give the prize of N1 million each to about four of them every month and our programme is to create about 100 millionaires by the time we finish the programme.”
He added, “ it is an effort, apart from trying to encourage the culture of saving among our customers. We found in the system that the level of saving is very low, so, the promo is meant to encourage saving habit among the Nigerian populace, apart from improving the saving portfolio of the bank. That is why we are assuring the customers that this is a real promo and that genuine people have won the prizes.”
They have account in the bank; what we have done is to select customers, who have about N10,000 with the bank are selected every month and from among them, a draw is made to determine the winners of the prizes.
The accounts that qualify are basically within the savings product. They are Sweeta; FPSS; FSA; Easi-save; PGA and PSA.
The Executive director said, “ideally, we would have said N500,000 that would mean more people winning, but we want to create a situation where it is very competitive. That is how we arrived at N1 million.”
Why the General Manager, Consumer Banking, Mrs Yvonne Isichei answered: “It is to give Nigerians incentive to building a saving’s culture.” She described this as one sustainable way to create wealth for people.
Why Save and Smile? Isichei said: “When you save, you are smiling for your tomorrow. When you know that something good is coming out of this promo, people winning prizes ranging from N1 million, to prizes running into hundreds like generators, television sets, motorcycles, to five or six cars that will be given out, you know that there is something to smile about, especially these hard times.”
She added, “If you have been following developments from the bank, you will see that we received award and recognition internationally as the most socially responsible bank in Africa. Every product and service that we have, we look at the people, as customers, how they can benefit from them. We receive benefits if customers have stayed with us for a long time. For now, it is about let’s give back to them like we did last year when we had our 20th anniversary. But now it is about fidelity to customers at the long run we will have a relationship with the customers that we have built.
She said more than 70 percent of Nigerians don’t know the value of savings. However, “this promo will create awareness.”
Isichei said her bank is already getting the impact, definitely. “That is why every time you come, it is a different set of people you see. If you go to the North, it is a different set of people that you will see. We are definitely getting the impact.”
She said at the end of the promo in the first quarter of 2010, 100 customers from all around the country would have won N1 million each.
In addition to the 100 millionaires, she said that the bank’s customers all over Nigeria also stand a chance of winning one or more of the 500,000 instant gifts and 180 big ticket prizes including TV sets, motorcycles, refrigerators and generating sets.
To qualify for the draw, new customers have to open an account with N20,000 while existing customers only need to top up with N10,000. “Every top-up or new account activation attracts an instant gift on the spot,” she said.
To qualify for the N100 million jackpots, she said a customer ought to have left his deposit with the bank for 30 days as draws are held every month.
The Head of Operations and Deputy General Manager, Consumer Banking, Samuel Obijiaku said, “the promo aims primarily to energise Nigerians to imbibe savings culture. When people save, they are going to make investment and improve their lives. It is not necessarily to make people come and keep money in the bank. We want to improve on the qualities of their lives. This has come on successfully.”
According to him, “it is a win-win situation for the customers and the bank. The overriding objective, however, is to make our customers improve on the quality of their lives.”
But what will he be doing with the million?
Osaze answered: “Education is the first priority. I am a roadside mechanic, but with this money, I will be acquiring formal university education on mechanical engineering.”
For Adimorah, from Nkume, Njaba Local Council of Imo State, he would ask God what to do with the money, “because there are a lot of things on my mind now.”
After graduation, Patrick, who read accounting in school and did a master’s degree programme at the University of Jos, ““I will be an investor. “
The 38 years old Patrick had taught for some time in Jos, but as a result of the environment and circumstance, he had to come down to Lagos. “The desire to improve on the quality of life and the incessant crises in the city, moved to me Lagos,”
He worked for some time in a private firm as a storekeeper, and went to Jos where he was teaching at the same time doing his programme. But when the environment was no longer conducive, he came to Lagos.

Adesiji... grooving @ home

Friday, February, 5, at Jazzhole, 168, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, lagos, the United States-based artiste, Siji, thrilled afro and soul music lovers courtesy of the management of the music centre famous for its predilection to jazz and world musical works. At the same venue, he played tracks from his new album, adeSIJI.
Siji spent much of his early childhood in Lagos and London before going to the US to further pursue his musical ambitions. His cultural heritage combined with the political and social movements of the age, exposed a young Siji to the insurgent, politicized music of the Afrobeat legends Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Tony Allen as well as the soulful grooves of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding.
He has contributed songwriting and production talent to projects for Salif Keita, Cesaria Evora, Vinia Mojica and Wunmi. Along with those skills, Siji brought with him the immediate feedback and positive energy of the live performance into the studio, creating songs that would eventually make up his debut album God-Given (BBE Records, 2004).

For Soaga... Recognition comes from ‘old boys’

ON January 23, the old students association of Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, presented Ayinde Soaga with its Old Boy’s Association’s Merit Award for 2009.
Ayinde attended the school between 1973 and 1978. He was admitted at Oke- Egunya and graduated at Oke-Saje. He joined the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, OGBC, in August 1978, shortly after completing the School certificate.
Then Secretary of the Old Boys’ Association, Chief Ayotunde Ayopo encouraged the very young Ayinde to start attending the old boy’s association meetings from 1979, when it was then a forum for really old boys. In 1979, Ayinde Soaga was only 18 years old.
Ayinde was promptly elected as Publicity Secretary of the BBHS OBA Abeokuta branch, a post he held until he proceeded on the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Uyo, then Cross River State in 1985, after bagging Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta.
After serving the nation in Uyo, he returned to Abeokuta, and began freelancing in both NTA 10 Lagos and NTA Abeokuta, in the period of Structural Adjustment Programme SAP. The then General Manager of NTA Abeokuta, Dr. Biodun Sotumbi persuaded him to take up full employment with the station as a reporter in 1987.
On his return to Abeokuta in 1986, the OBA Abeokuta branch presented him for election as National Publicity Secretary, a position he held for two terms. He was later presented as National Social Secretary, a position he also discharged for two terms.
Ayinde has served the OBA meritoriously, particularly in publicizing its activities in both the print and electronic media, taking advantage of friends in the media and other old boys’, particularly the late Tunji Oseni and the late Yinka Craig. Indeed, Ayinde partnered with the late Messers Tunji Oseni and Yinka Craig, as Masters of Ceremony at the famous BBHS OBA N10 million Development Fund Launch at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island Lagos, in 1989.The memorable event brought together BBHS greats like late Chief MKO Abiola, General Olusegun Obasanjo, Prince Bola Ajibola, and former OBA Presidents including Chief Joseph Olatunji Osibamowo and Chief Folorunso Oke.
On his transfer to NTA Network News Headquarters, Lagos in 1995, Ayinde was promptly elected Publicity Secretary of the OBA Lagos Branch, a position he held until his transfer to NTA News Headquarters Abuja in 1999.
He soon linked up with old boys in Abuja attending the then bi-monthly meetings. He also served the Abuja Branch as Publicity Secretary until he was elected Vice President of the Branch in 2006. He was chairman of the committee which facilitated the over N6m refurbishment of the old Assembly Hall at Okesaje into a beautiful edifice, in a record period of less than one month.
An alumnus of both the FRCN Training School, Ikoyi Lagos and the NTA TV College Jos, Ayinde has worked as reporter on many desks including Business, Politics, particularly National Assembly coverage and Foreign Affairs and as Newscaster and Anchor/Presenter of many programmes. He has served as Head of Political and Foreign Affairs Desks at NTA News Headquarters, before his deployment as Manager News and Current Affairs at NTA Channel 5 Abuja. He also teaches at the TV College, Jos, which is now a degree awarding institution. He is currently in the Training and Capacity Building Directorate at the NTA Headquarters, Abuja.
Ayinde has travelled the world reporting for NTA. A member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Nigerian Guild of Editors, Ayinde is a fellow of the Korean Press Foundation and the International Visitor Programme of the US State Department.

Osofisan honours Nkrumah in Accra

COME mid April, Femi Osofisan’s Nkrumah Ni, Africa Ni will be staged in Ghana as part of events marking the 40th anniversary of the death of the pan Africanist and first president of Ghana, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.
Already, rehearsals have started for the play to be directed by the playwright, Osofisan. It will be performed on campus and at the National Theatre of Ghana. The play had its world premiere in 1994 at the same venue.

Funmi Iyanda steps up to the Magic

Funmi in the forest of a thousand hunters,’ that was how a comedian jocularly captured one of the images recorded in the course of the current enterprise of the popular talk-show host, Funmi Iyanda. The image was that of Funmi posing for a shot with a hunter somewhere in the deep of the forest of a town in the South West. And when the mischievous comic head saw another shot of the TV presenter with an old woman sitting beside what appears some cooking utensils, he exclaimed “ha, this is Funmi showing her hidden skill at akara selling’. On another, where the TV girl was on a soccer pitch, he said, ‘whoosh, here is Funmi the captain of Mama Eagles!!!’. Incidentally, here was Funmi engaging the soccer-loving Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde raji Fashola on a pitch.
There was, however, no stopping the fellow and his leaky mouth.

Comic as the Actor’s interpretation of those shots were, he was only capturing the essences of the new TV programme, Talk With Funmi, which debuts on DSTV’s prime channel, Africa Magic today at 7pm.
Ms Iyanda, who has made a tremendous impact as talkshow host, for over a decade with her New Dawn With Funmi Iyanda on national television, has stepped up her deal on the tube. Her new programme is designed to capture ordinary people in conversations around the country. “It is a thought provoking, illuminating and entertaining journey into the life of Nigerians from all over the country”, said some observers who had seen parts of the new show.

Produced by Ignite Media production, the show talks to people everywhere, from ordinary citizens going about their business to celebrities in unusual but natural settings. Another observer, offered that though it is largely recorded around Nigeria, it will easily appeal to audiences around Africa.
“It takes the viewers through discussions that range from the hard hitting stories of the day to the every day challenges of Nigerian life with some light-hearted banter and fun along the way.
It has been shot and produced to international broadcast standards on high definition video, from a production team led by UK based award-winning director Chris Dada. The result is groundbreaking and innovative television that is an artistic blnd of documentary, reality television and talk show.

Speaking about her inspiration for the show, Funmi said, “I wanted to create a platform where authentic Nigerian stories told by Nigerians could be heard. Nobody can tell our stories the way we can. We need to be ourselves, and tell our stories with with honesty, creative artistry, intelligence and humour.”
And for her, Nigeria’s move towards its 50th independence anniversary is the perfect opportunity to capture vibrant Nigerian stories and engage the people in transformative conversations — conversations that could ignite meaningful change.

Celebrating the Scientist, Dialoguing with the Writer

By Anote Ajeluorou
On a calm evening last Wednesday in Lagos, the over-spill of emotions and seeming bad blood that had characterised relationship between the community of writers and the National Committee on the Nigeria Prize for Literature was set aside for a true spirit of camaraderie. The disagreement had followed outcome of the last Literature Prize competition as endowed and sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) in which no winner had emerged. The session tagged Dialogue with Writers, held in the garden of the NIIA in Victoria Island and had members of the Literature Committee sat face to face with about 30 of the writers drawn from Lagos and about five states in the North. It ended up as session of fertilisation of ideas as disagreements were thrashed out and good feelings exchanged.
Perhaps to top the feeling of camaraderie, Prof. Zainab Alkali’s birthday was celebrated with a cake made for her, which was cut as part of the ceremony. The famous female writer, Professor Alkali is member of the Literature Committee.

Earlier on in the morning session, the winner of the Nigeria Prize for Science, Professor Nok had been formally presented to the Nigeria public represented by eminent citizens drawn from both political and economic circles. Impressively too, there was a good representation by pupils invited from as many as four schools from around Lagos. The event had earlier been scheduled for the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where Prof Nok is a senior academic but had to be shifted to Lagos “because of the current tension in the northern part of the country due to the recent religious riot in Jos, which is reported to be spreading to other cities in the axis”, according to a staff of the LNG.

Commenting on the purpose of establishing the Literature prize, Prof. Dan Izevbaye, a member of the Literature Committee, said the aim was primarily to “stimulate and advance the development of Literature” in the country.
Therefore, the prize was not necessarily a recognition of achievement of Nigerian writers as that has never been in doubt. The professor of English reminded that even before the establishment of the LNG prize, Nigeria Literature had made all the point it ought to make about its accomplishment; with Nigerians winning nearly all the prizes available on the international literary circuit; including the prestigious Nobel Prize for Literature, the Booker, the Man Booker and the Caine Prize and others.
On his part, Prof. Ayo Banjo, who sat in as head of the Literature Committee (in the absence of Prof Theo Vincent) assured that the Committee existed to serve the greater interest of Nigeria Literature and the writers. Though, he stressed that he was not a member of te jury, the professor of History and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, threw light on why the judges arrived at the decision not to give the prize money of $50,000 to any of the nine shortlisted writers for last year’s competition. He, however, assured that the Literature Committee had not been “impervious” to the various criticisms from the writers.
To this end, he announced that some changes had been made to principles of the Prize; however without compromising the credibility of the competition as an international project.
One crucial change is the fact that the judges’ identity would no longer be shielded. He promptly announced that judges for the 2010 competition will comprise Prof Dapo Adelugba Chairman, with members including Professors Kalu Uka (Calabar), John Illa (Jos), Titi Kolawole (Ife) and others. They will, unlike in the past, serve for only one year.
Also the very controversial Residency Clause, which had pitched the Prize organisers against some Nigerian writers abroad as well as been the basis of acrimony between some home based writers and a section of their colleagues resident outside the country, has been reviewed as a way of stimulating, and harnessing all the creative writing talents that the country has to offer.

Among the writers that spoke, Dr. Musa Idris Opanachi from Maiduguri, one of the nine poets shortlisted for the prize last year, who was obviously still smarting from the fiasco, said “Nigerian Literature was not on sale!” and that if the organisers felt “the prize money was too big (to be given out to one individual), they should reduce it”.
Mrs. Mobolaji Adenubi charged LNG to do more than award prizes to help Nigeria Literature grow. She tasked the company to look into the areas of editing books submitted for the award (in the manner of the Ugandan female writers’ example), book marketing and other supporting avenues that writers lack in Nigeria.
Culture activist Mr. Toyin Akinoso sought to know what the Academy of Letters, the unintended beneficiary of the Literature Prize that was not given last year, was doing with the $50,000 prize money to develop Literature as was intended. He, however, absolved LNG of the burden Nigeria Literature faced. “LNG can’t be burdened by the problems of Nigerian Literature – editing, marketing, editing, publishing; it’s a prize-giving company!” he said.
Mr. Ben Tomoloju took on literary journalists and their roles in promoting Literature in the country and declared: “Nigeria has had a dearth of support from literary journalists,” he charged. “They have become partisanship.” He also disclosed that the committee for the prize consisted of a journalist, a financial expert, a business administrator, and a professor among others. Finally, he charged literary journalists and all parties to literary business “to support a good cause” as LNG was doing to promote Literature.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Ifeanyi Mbanefo of the corporate department of Nigeria LNG had said the gathering was designed to continue the discussion of Nigerian Literature that started some seven years ago. In his closing remarks, Mbanefo said his company could not thrive on a failed environment hence the determination of his company to see to a successful prize award. But he was quick to point out that awarding the prizes for Literature and Science was not a publicity affair for his company.
On the question of structures to support Literature, Mbanefo said his company was a prize-giving one, whose involvement did not include nurturing writers in the elementary rudiments of learning the craft of writing as was being suggested. He reiterated the commitment of his company to Literature, saying that Literature “is at the core of who we are as a people; it’s part of our history”.
Both the morning and the evening programmes also featured performances by IjoDee Dance Company as well as poetry reading by Jumoke Verissimo and Akeem Lasisi.

Outdooring Irinajo

BY CHARLES OKOLO
The dentist-turned musician, Segun Akinlolu, popularly called Beautiful Nubia, celebrated his new album Irinajo on Sunday, January 24, at the Sparkle Hall, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The show, which lasted over three hours, saw Nubia belching old tunes such as O’ what a feeling; pass the calabash; Oke bola, and Owuro logo, which he described as the grandfather of songs in his album.
Nubia said, Nigerians like Jelenke music – music that is responded to, with slow and little effort. That also appeals to a continuously growing market comprising all sections of the populace – the poor and the rich, unlettered market-women and university professors, urban youth and rural folk, male and female, young and old.
From Jangbalajugbu, his ground-breaking album, which was released in 2002, and has sold million copies, to Awilele (2004), a no-holds-barred celebration of the artist's political views, Fere (2006) and Kilòkilò (2007), Beautiful Nubia has shown that he has actually come to etch his name in the Nigerian music scene.
Personalities at the event include Yinka Davies; AyoolaShadare; Ade Siji, the Yoruba soul artiste, who is based in London and Ade Bantu.

Praise Jam fills Lagosians with Inspiration

DAYS after the Praise Jam concert organised by Inspiration 92.3FM, it has continued to draw comments from Lagos entertainment circle, not only because of the large crowd that attended the show, but the quality of performance.
With sponsorships from MTN, Federal Palace Hotel and GQ Acoustics, the concert had guests turning up as early as 2.30pm for the show slated for 5pm.
Jedi was the anchor while Afresh gave an acapella rendition of the National anthem and other songs.
Next was a retinue of artistes and performers such as Proverbs, Oluremi, Sol, Gbolahan, Mike Aremu, Beulah, Segun Obe, Pita, Lara George, Niki Laoye, Bouqui, Slam, Buchi, Chosen Treasure, Sammie Okposo and Tosin Martins. DJ Gosperella was on the turntables churning out hits to keep guests entertained.
Dance Affiliated & Sons of Liberty gave good performances; while Laoye, as usual, wowed everybody with her exhilarating performance. She paired up with Sons of Liberty to have an entrée that left people in no doubt of her skill and artistry.
Hosted by Dan Foster, Chaz B, Oscar, Titi, Wana and Wale Scott, Jedi, Gordons, Koffi, Owen G, Lepacious Bukky took turns to anchor the show.
Sammy Okposo and Tosin Martins, who delivered a fuji remix of his own songs, also entertained the crowd.

Efrebor... thrills of comedy, music in Ibadan

BY KAYODE BELLO
Efrebor, which started five years ago at the University of Ibadan, as a registered comedy group, recently put up a hilarious show at the main bowl of Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The 2009 edition christened: Laff and Burst had other comedians such as Sunkanmi Adebayo (a.k.a. Sukky Lala) and Gabriel Afolayan (a.k.a. Gabby Jones) of the award-winning Super Story fame in performance.
The coordinator, Oluwasegun Ogundipe, said, “comedy could be used to motivate and educate the audience and as such, the country’s comedians should be encouraged to put in their best.”
The show, which, is planned to tour other cities of the federation entertaining people also showcased the skill of Princess Damilola Adekoya.
“Soon, people would see it as a platform to be entertained and enjoy unlimited comedy. We are capturing Ibadan first, later Lagos, and everywhere,” Ogundipe said.





Digging it with the enterprisers
BY CHIEMEREM-NNEKA UMENEM

RECENTLY, Pan African University’s Enterprises Development Services (EDS) organised a Christmas party for ‘enterprisers’ in Lagos.
The event, which held in the school’s premises, was aimed at bringing together ‘enterprisers’ from all walks of life, who have excelled in their various human endeavours after taking EDS tutorials.
Young enterprisers currently under tutelage were not left out in the gig that served as a platform to celebrate the centre as well as its students.
Guests were entertained by X- Twing while Mattson Creations showcased his artworks and photographs.

Melody Unuakpor... a promise fulfilled

BY CHUKS NWANNE
When Melody Unuakpor resolved to give part of the proceeds from her debut album to the Centre for Women’s Health & Information (CWHI) to start up a campaign against maternal mortality, many people, even the NGO, doubted the possibility of that happening. But for the mother of three, there’s no better way to show appreciation to God for saving her from preeclapsia, which took away her first pregnancy. In fact, it was by the grace of God that the singer survived. With the album successfully launched earlier in the year at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Melody has finally fulfilled her promise by donating part of the proceeds to the NGO, which was used to organize a one-day campaign on maternal mortality held recently in Ibeju, Lekki, a remote part of Lagos, which attracted mothers, especially pregnant women from the community and their men, who came to witness the event. “Well, I think it was a divine connection; we’ve never met Melody before. She just pulled a call through one day and said, “I read about your organisation on the Internet, I like what you are doing and I will like it to support it.’ Initially, we were very skeptical because such things never happens; you hardly find Nigerians, especially individuals, who want to support the work of NGOs,” Adebanke Akeleresi, one of the founders of the home confessed at the campaign. She commended the donor for her gesture, calling on the government and individuals to contribute to the campaign. “If you look at the figure in Nigeria, you see that the rate is very high. So, it was a great thing when she came up with the idea of giving part of the proceeds from his album launch to awareness campaign on maternal mortality. This is a community we’ve been working with before especially on women issues and we need government to support people and provide services so that when there’s complication, women will see where to go for medication. There are health facilities in the cities, but here, you hardly get such things and that’s why we’ve decided to focus on this particular area.” Speaking at the event, Melody charged women to always take care of their health, especially during pregnancy period. “Sometimes, some women are careless about their health and lack of information on the other hand, is also a problem. We really need to watch ourselves very well especially during pregnancy. I feel wonderful; I feel great. I’m happy that I’ve been able, by the grace of God, to touch lives here; it’s part of our whole existence.” On her choice of Ibeju Lekki for the campaign, Melody explained that, “people in this part of the country lack the basic information about life; a lot of them don’t have the opportunity of coming to the cities. Funny enough, when such complications starts, a lot of them believe it must have been sent from the villages or by their enemies. I think campaigns like this will help to enlighten them on how best to take care of their health especially during pregnancy.” Meanwhile, Melody, who just concluded the shooting of her music videos, plans to extend the gesture to other parts of the country. “This is something I will like to continue. In fact, I was touched when I saw all these pregnant women gathered here for this project. It’s something we need to continue no matter how much; no amount is little.” The event featured lecture by some experts, who were contracted to speak to the women. Free drugs and counseling were also parts of the benefits for participants.

Wine Moment

BY OMIKO AWA
RECENTLY Nigel Rapp, the agent for Laurent-Perrier in Nigeria and his partner, Chief Tunde Onakoya, backed by his manager, Emeka Nwankwo, held a cocktail party at the Petroleum Club, Ikoyi , Lagos, to thank the company’s existing patrons and to introduce more guests to the elegance of Grande Sceicle, the premier brand of Laurent Perrier as well as Cuvee Rose preferred by ladies.
Laurent Perrier being the first champagne house to produce ‘Pink Champagne’ showcased their lead in the market through their products, which came in various unique and sophisticated colours.
The event was also used to unveil grande Siecle Aiguiere, which could be likened to the modern day ice cubs or blocks as it keeps drink cool for as long as the bottle is on it.
Speaking at the event, elated Chief Onakoya thanked members of the club for allowing the club hall to be used as a venue and its numerous patrons for their patronage.
Chairman of the company, Baron Bernard de Nonancourt, who was in Nigeria for the event, expressed delight that more Nigerians are enjoying their company’s products.





Christmas with a difference @ Passo
AS part of its Christmas with a Difference 2009 project, Escroll Education & Childcare Foundation (EECF), Abuja, distributed welfare items to more than 70 families in Passo community, Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja.
Delivering his keynote at the event, which held at the premises of L.E.A. Primary School, Passo, the visioner of the Foundation, Mr. Osung E. Osung, stated that poverty tops the list of the many challenges facing the Nigerian society, followed by corruption, erratic power supply, security issues, unemployment, economic meltdown, climate change among many others.
He added that all over the world, about 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes and narrowing this down to Nigeria, some of the deaths could be attributed to malnutrition, malaria, polio, mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS etc, with poverty as the underlying factor.
Osung stated that the Foundation has an undying passion for sustainable development in Nigeria and is focusing on children, the leaders of tomorrow and the future of our nation.
In his response, the Etsu of Passo, Seriki Joshua Madaki, noted that the Foundation’s intervention was quite timely, as less privileged children, particularly orphans and other vulnerable children were assured of having something to eat during the festive period, stressing that going the extra mile to provide clothing and shoes for the children would help to minimize the cases of ailments associated with cold, especially during the harmattan season.
Items distributed were Rice, Vegetable Oil, Cornflakes, Golden Morn, Seasoning Cubes, Noodles, Beverage, Milk, Biscuit, Caprisonne drinks, Children clothes, shoes and school bags. Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets were also distributed to nursing and expectant mothers to curb the spread of malaria in Passo.
Indomie Noodles was also there to serve all children present from its Indomie Noodles Mobile Kitchen.
Set up with the primary aim of making accessible to the less privileged child, quality education, sound health and general wellbeing, the Foundation’s activities and projects revolve round the child, in terms of his/her total wellbeing, and its objective is to ensure that children, especially the less privileged, are adequately equipped for the near future.
Projects include award of scholarship to pupils in various schools, equipping and standardization of school libraries, among others.

A splash of Egyptian spice of life

BY ABOSEDE MUSARI
The diverse peoples of the African continent rrespective of the shades of their skin colour have a lot in common, especially when it comes to their beliefs, culture, food and ways of life.
This fact was demonstrated recently in Abuja during the Egyptian cultural week. Those who witnessed the events would testify to the similarity between the cultures of the peoples of Nigeria and Egypt as depicted in the dances, the folklores and even artworks that were on display.
Not only are the two countries bonded by the landmass called Africa, they also share similarities in occupation, means of entertainment and ways of dressing. There are also some similarities in the icons of Egypt and Nigeria; perhaps this is responsible for the strong ties they share in trade and social relations.

At the cultural night held at Transcorp Hilton hotel, guests were treated to the best of dances from Egypt as presented by Sohag Cultural Troupe. The dances told stories of the way of life of the Egyptians and their culture. The costumes looked more like the dressing pattern of a typical Hausa/Fulani people of Nigeria.The sohag folklore is a dance that reminds one of the Fulani entertainment style as the Egyptian dancers displayed their skills of using sticks as well as farming as one of the Sohag region heritage.
Just like Nigerians, the Egyptian ladies wound their waists to the rhythm of the soothing music from the background. Sometimes the music was loud because of the use of the base drum.
The skirt dance is a one-man show that sees the performer going round on the same spot. This is from Egyptian mystical origin and it is based on circular movements. The dance from the Sufi Muslim, and has a philosophical dimension: it represents the notion that the universe begins and ends at the same spot in a circular movement.
Rababa is a display of Egyptian local musical instruments that tells the story of how rituals such as circumcision and birth of a new baby are performed. Al Marakbia is a dance that portrays life at the Nile side otherwise known as Haby. It is believed that past generations sang for the river; a reason the present generation practises the same ritual. This dance portrays love, beauty and well-being.
The stick dance, Al Tahteeb, shows what is considered the most important local tradition. Sohag is said to be the only city that practices stick dance in the whole of Egypt. It reflects the confidence of the Sohag man and his pride of the stick. It also shows the multiple skills on the tune of local flute.
Like it is the wedding of Sohag (Al Farah Al Sohagy). It is one of the famous customs at weddings among the people of Sohag. It features dressing of the bride, marriage ritual and wedding procession.

The events of the Egyptian Cultural week also had an artwork contest, products of which showed the common features of the Nigerian and Egyptian cultures. The works compared the icons of both countries with the aim of bringing out the features that bind both countries together.
For example, some of the works showed the similarity in Pharaoh and Oduduwa heads. Some compared the typical dressing culture of both Fulani and Egyptian girls. One of the artworks brought out similar features in the heads of Pharaoh and that of Oba of Benin. The winning artwork done by a Nigerian named Sen Sor, described the Fulani huts in similarity to the Egyptian pyramids.

While addressing guests at the cultural night, Egyptian ambassador, Mr. Sherif Naguib, said the second Egyptian cultural week was organised to reflect the close cultural ties between both countries.
“The collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Culture and the National Gallery of Arts was instrumental in making this event a reality. We hope that this event will further strengthen the existing close relations between Egypt and Nigeria”, he said.
Prizes were presented to the three winners in the artwork competition and guests were treated to a food festival.

From Italy, he found a home here

Shotly after he was conferred with the status of Nigerian citizen, Chief Giandomenico Massari, an Italian and, general manager of DANALEC Ltd based in Port Harcourt, spoke to DEBO OLADIMEJI on his journey becoming a Nigerian citizen.



Giandomenico Massari since 1992 when he came to Nigeria had been living his life quietly until 2006 when the Eze of Chorlu community in Port Harcourt, River States, B.A Worgu, an engineer, decided to confer on on him the chieftaincy title of Enyioha 1 of Rumuchiorlu.
Far away from his home Town Ancona – Italy, where he was born on November 22, 1954, Massari has found a new home in Nigeria. “Nigeria is my home. I am in good relationship with all the people in the community where I am living”, he says. “So l believe that nobody will harm me.”
Apart from Europe he had lived in South Korea, India, China, Taiwan, Japan and Indonesia. Between 1975 and 1977 he worked at Bontempi Electrical Italy, 1977-1979 at Ferruzzi S.P.A Italy. 1979 and 1983 at Algor Computer System Italy.
Between 1982 and 1986 he worked for Ferruzzi S.P.A. He left Italy to work for Sunoca USA from 1986 to 1986 and 1988 to 1992 at San Martin S.A in Switzerland as Technical Superintendent for Electrical Electronic Instrumentation for Company Ships in charge of design, implementation and modification of tank ship equipment at various dry-dock and yards around the world. His service has also spanned Singapore and Hong Kong.
He came to Nigeria and joined DANALEC Limited PH Nigeria from 1992; and now he sings proudly: “I have to say that lam very proud to be here in Nigeria to work and serve the people. I am always ready to put in my energy and effort to really develop the community that l live in and to make the place a better place.”
He is the brain behind the establishment of Rumuchiorlu Information Technology (IT) centre. To him the locals need to be assisted to develop their potentials.
“I always say that knowledge is power. Knowledge is the new currency. In the sense that the more you know the more you are valued as a person. For that reason, we established an IT Centre to increase the knowledge of the people in the community.
He is also known to give scholarship to children of the less privileged in the community -- from primary school to the university level. Such underprivileged children that he is personally sponsoring in school include: Intubofaa Itiye, a student of Economy at the Niger Delta University (NDU); Fa-fango Itiye, a medical student of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT); Anne Amadi, a student of Accountancy in UNIPORT and Abebe Amadi-Ali, a student of Economy in University of Calabar (UNICAL).
“You have to help these people to make sure that they go to school, so that they will be of benefit to themselves and the community,” he said.
“To live and work in a place means that you should see yourself as part of the people. So you are to integrate with them, without prejudice,” he said.
He has alos been contributing his quotas to the professional bodies he belongs to like the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
“I have no regret. I have a job that is inspiring. I chose to become an engineer because of my passion for the profession,” he enthuses.
Massari is, however, regularly in touch with his people in Italy. “I have a boy and a girl -- Edson Milton and Marina -- and we are always in contact,” he said. His greatest achievement is transmitting knowledge to others. Meeting with new people in the community is another source of joy to me,” he said.
He plans to continue the good work he is been doing in the community and to the professional bodies he belongs; saying “I’m happy when l see other people doing well like me; not other people dying of hunger. I relax by working relating with my friends”.

Massari graduated in Marine Polytechnic, A Elia, Ancona Italy (1969-1974). He proceeded to Trinity University, United Kingdom from 1979-1984 where he had his Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering and Master of Science in Electronic Engineering in 1991. He had a Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI (U.S.A.), where he is currently doing a PhD programme in Electronic Engineering.
Registered at COREN as Electronic Engineer in 1998; he is a member Internet Society (U.S.A.) (1997); member Robotic and Automation Society U.S.A. (1992); member Power Electronic Engineering Society (U.S.A.) (1991); member Power Engineering Society (U.S.A.) (1991 and member Instrumentation Society (U.S.A.) (1991). He also belongs to many other world organisations where he plays key roles.
In Nigeria, he is a member of the Business Committee NSE Port Harcourt Branch (2001 & 2002); member Library and Information Technology Committee NSE Port Harcourt Branch (2001); Chairman Professional Committee IEEE Port Harcourt. He was granted Distinguished Service Award For Dedicated and Loyal Service by Nigeria Society of Engineers PH Branch (2001) and nominated Director of the Company NSEPH Ltd.(2002-till date); nominated Chairman Information Technology and Library Committee NSE Port Harcourt (2002-till date). He is also a member EXCO Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch (2002-till date). He was ominated Examiner on Coren Examination panel for the field Electrical/Electronics (2003- till date).

Word explosion by the lagoon

On its fourth rite of expression, the Wordslam -- a collaborative programme between the Goethe Institut and the Culture Advocates Caucus, CAC presented a robust mixed grill of poetry, music, dramatic enactments and even a bit of comedy. It was an explosive evening in the lagoon-front of the German Cultural Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on November 28. Old notables and regulars of the four-edition old Wordslam, which the CAC dubbed ‘Feast of Poetic Flights’, met and gave vent to creative expression in the medium of poetry coming though Spoken Word and performance poetry.
And to cap, the Wordslam had on stage the international reputed German-Nigerian act, Ade Adekoya alias Ade Bantu, whose ‘Sound of fufu’ is a regular meal on global entertainment TV channels such as Channel O, MTV and Ben TV.

Remarkably too, the Wordslam, obviously the biggest live poetry event yet on the stage included a sc hool dimension to this edition. Prior to staging the edition, the project had gone to selected schools to conduct a workshop, which was anchored by Ade Bantu assisted by Dagga Tolar in Ajegunle, and Bayo Olupohunda in Ikoyi area. The students of the schools were paraded on stage during the main event that Saturday. These were students from abou five schools in the Tolu School Complex in Oodi Apapa; and those from Ireti school in Falomo. The students drew loud ovation, especially for the depth of their criticisms of the socio-political system, especialy the abject neglect of the schools manifested in lack of qualified teachers, lack of facilities and absence of a conducive environment for learning that tend to hamper their educational progress; thus endagering the future of the country.

After the students’ presentations came the main acts of the Wordslam -- the afro-musical poet, Edaoto; the Reagge-inflective spoken word artiste, Cornerstone; the flutist and folk singer Awoko, the romantic poet, Uche Uwadinashi, the young revolutionary social commentator, Ayodeji Akinpelu and the lady fondly called ‘Priestest of the Word’, Ayeola Mabiaku. Others included the fresh voices on Wordslam stage -- Funmi Aluko and the Ghetto soldier, Papa English. The stage also made room for the Open Mind & Mic session, which brought out the creative power of such tested poets as Plumbline, Anago Priest, Nonnie, Sandra and Bob Eket and others.
Expectedly, Ade Bantu was the big masquerade as declared by the compere, actor, poet, Yemi Oyewo (who was paired by the singer, performer, Yinka Davies). For many who turned up, Ade Bantu represents the quintessential live poetry performer -- as he blended his essentally afrobeat sound with rap, reggae and even hip hop. His is a mix of all the best in African and contemporary world music traditions; and his stage work is electric such that he kept the huge audience that had gathered as early as 3pm glued to the venue till about 10pm. Of course, he was rewarded with fat ovation.

Living Attitude

BY CHUKS NWANNE
In the tradition of showcasing its latest designs for interior decoration every year, Episode Interiors recently staged Living Attitude Fair, at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Declared open by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, who expressed his satisfaction at the quality of works on display, the three-day exhibition, which attracted guests from different walks of life, featured exclusive and exquisite home accents that would surely add a total and complete finish to living space.
Speaking at the event, the MD of the outfit involved in interior design, product co-ordination and installation services, Funmi Balogun, informed that their varied experience of the Nigerian market, coupled with a blend of innovative ideas and knowledge of the very latest trends in the industry, have positioned Episodes as one of the leading interior design consultancy firms in Nigeria.
“We believe every part of the interior is significant. Therefore, we’ve built our company to provide services that cover all aspects of interior design and decoration. Customer satisfaction is our watchword; this is why we have functionality, durability and timeless affordability as key considerations. This has in no small measure helped us build an impressive clientele base.”

Established in 1995, the outfit specialized in manufacturing ranges of styles in curtain/drapes and soft furnishings in homes, offices, hotels and hospitals. All these were on display at the exhibition.
“Bespoke furniture, cabinetry design and fabrication are specialties we provide. From single details to complete projects, from design to implementation, we provide the finest quality workmanship for the most discriminating homeowner. With our penchant for well-trained professional staff and management, a competent workforce committed to seamless service delivery backs Episode Interiors,” Balogun said.

Eko for show

IN pursuit of its desire to become a premium destination for business and leisure, the Lagos State government held a grand show to draw the curtain on the FIFA U-17 World Cup even ahead of the finals on Thursday, November 12.
Fans who thronged the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos to watch the semi final matches, were treated to delightful cultural and musical performances before the commencement of the matches.
Events of the day commenced as early as 11am when early bird fans got to the stadium and met popular musicians as Seun Kuti and the Egypt ’80 band, Adewale Ayuba, sensational female talking drummer and singer, Ayanbirin, highlife crooner, Buga, old timer Daddy Fresh as well as Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, among a host of others, lined up for the show.
Speaking on the choice of artistes, Kayode Opeifa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, explained that, in addition to mass appeal, “we considered musicians with deep cultural contents in lyrics and percussions, hence our choice of the artistes invited for the show. A host of others were indeed willing to perform in support of the vision of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for this tournament but there was a limit to the number we could accommodate within the time frame allocated by FIFA.”
The second set of musicians lined for the show were mainly wave-making music acts, Klever Jay and Danny who performed to the delight of the gathering crowd. The young duo sang their popular single, Igboro Tidaru and Cunny Cunny Love, and as they did, the crowd sang along with them.
The lads were supplied instrumentals by DJ Jimmy Jatt steel of wheels and they made good the uncommon opportunity.
Though the musical performances were all short and sharp, they did not lack the needed crowd appeal, as the crowd roared to life with the coming on stage of Seun Kuti and Adewale Ayuba.
Seun Kuti capped the performances with a re-enactment of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Rererun. His appearance on stage lifted the spirit of the crowd as many in the audience screamed and blew into the miniature Vuvuzela they had in their hands. Seun gave an adroit performance that thrilled the crowd. Apart from the major acts on show, other artistic displays coloured the air.
From Lagos Island came Eyo Masquerade, Badagry gave two offerings, the Oya and Akoto Dances, from Epe was the Agiri Dance — a usually elaborate dance held to honour Imale, the fishing town’s deity of the sea. Afterwards came the final display of Fanti – an artistic expression of the cross-cultural experience of Africans from the Diaspora.
The Swiss team responded with equal measure of appreciation as they danced and waved to the crowd as the music and cultural performances were on.
The performances were crowned with spectacular fireworks pumped into the air from two strategic locations around the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Rekindling the black spirit

BY GBENGA SALAU
STUDENTS of Creative Arts department, University of Lagos began their third yearly African-Caribbean Festival last week with a carnival float involving students dressed in the costumes of countries with black people such as Ghana, Jamaica, Peru, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The float started from the school’s main auditorium through the university’s main road, Distant Learning Institute (DSI) and to the Faculty of Social Science, where the train terminated its exciting parade. The festival however, continued with a series of stage plays performed by each group.
As the carnival train moved round the campus, visitors, students, lecturers and staff of the institution were seen peeping through the windows of offices and cars to have a glance at the colourful parade; some even stopped and parked their cars to take pictures of the carnival team.
The costume of each of the team was done to reflect the peculiarity of each country. They were dressed in the colours of the countries, but the Nigerian communities who were dressed in the traditional outfits of the major ethnic groups.
As the team moved round, the students sang and danced to music dished out by the Deejay and to the admiration of passers-by. At some point, each of the bands displayed dance steps peculiar to the country it represents.
The coordinator of the festival and a lecturer in the department, Mr. Onyekaba Cornelius Aka, in a chat revealed that the University of Lagos’ Afric-Caribbean Festival involves a series of celebration, which is often preceded by a carnival.
He said that the carnival is the first step, before other aspects of the festival that include cultural dances, drama and cooking competition.
“Forget all what Aristotle said about how the Greek invented drama and those stuffs, the truth is that Africa by its nature has always celebrated life. It is only the Africans that have songs and dances for almost everything that they do, from the time they were born to the time they die,” said Cornelius-Aka, who himself had been a notable practising culture journalist before going into the academics.
He added, “there are other things we use to celebrate life. If you ask yourself what was the sustaining spirit for these slaves that were captured and transported to West Indies?; how did they survive the harshness of sea life? You will discover that if not for the African spirit, which is embodied in songs and dances, they won‘t have survived.”
He observed that carnival is an African spirit because Africans love to celebrate, and they celebrate everything. Africans are the only people that celebrate both life and death.
After the carnival team terminated its march round the campus at the new Faculty of Social Sciences, The GuardianLife sampled opinion of one of the students on the carnival:
Omowunmi Dada: “Nothing good comes easy; this whole festival is an outcome of hard work, dedication, discipline and quest for knowledge. Basically, it has been so awesome. It has really tasked us as students because as Nigerians, we have to look into other African countries and other countries where blacks inhibit. The concept is to celebrate black as a colour, to make us understand that all over the world, wherever you find blacks, they are Africans. Fine, slave trade took some of our people to the Caribbean, yet, they remain blacks. They are still Africans and blacks are beautiful, we are one family, though we find so many of us in the Diaspora.”