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AFRIMA 2018: African Union, Ghana partner for Calendar Unveiling

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The 2018 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) annual calendar of programmes
will be unveiled on Monday, May 21, 2018 by the African Union Commission
(AUC) in collaboration with Government of the Republic of Ghana, and the
International Committee of AFRIMA during a world media event and music
conference scheduled for Accra, the capital city of Ghana.
Part of the agenda for the Calendar Unveiling of the fifth annual
edition of AFRIMA is a Courtesy Visit to His Excellency, the President
of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who is set to receive African
delegates and music stars attending the event from around Africa
including the Head of Culture, African Union, Mrs. Angela Martins;
President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand
Communications, AFRIMA; Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director;
Western Africa, Mr. Don Obilor, the Ghanaian-UK AFRIMA Juror,
(representing UK-Diaspora) and BBC-1 show host, Ms. Rita Ray and the
AFRIMA Country Director, Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku.
Also participating at the event are past AFRIMA nominees and winners,
music professionals and executives, creative/culture industry policy
makers, members of the media industry and other award-winning recording
artistes living in Ghana and in other African countries.
Commenting on the event in line with government’s objective to develop
sustainable tourism pivoted on Ghanaian arts and culture, Ghana’s
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku, said:
“Arts and culture, as a sector, remains one of Africa’s greatest
strengths. As well as being a source of values, identity and a sense of
belonging, the creative industries have become a driver of economic
growth and job creation. In agreeing to host the AFRIMA 2018 Calendar
Unveiling, the Government of Ghana is motivated by the need to harness
the potential of the creative sector of Ghana to promote national and
regional tourism. We congratulate the African Union for lending its
weight behind this laudable effort”.
Hon. Afeku added, “The Government of Ghana recognizes the potential of
the Creative Industries to shape and reinforce the country’s economic
growth. Studies show that by the end of the first decade of this
millennium, cultural activities contributed to 1.53% of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of our country.  Zeroing in on music industry, it
is reported with some justifiable pride that that sector alone adds
approximately GH¢100 million to GDP”.
Speaking on the collaborative work by the African Union and the
International Committee of AFRIMA to create inventive solutions to
achieving the AU Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan
of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries, the Acting Director for
Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Madam Mariama Cisse revealed
that partnerships with member AU states such as Ghana further galvanise
the achievement of the AU policy on Africa transformation through social
integration.
In her statement, the Acting Director for Social Affairs, African Union,
said: “The hosting by the Republic of Ghana of this unveiling event is
very important given that previous events were hosted by the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and it is crucial that the initiative rotates in the
AU Member States to ensure broader popularization and enhance its
Pan-African nature. We thus express our gratitude to the Government of
the Republic of Ghana for hosting the event and call upon all musical
artists to participate in the initiative by submitting their works once
the call for submissions is open”.
AFRIMA, Africa’s biggest music awards property, will roll out the 2018
calendar under the theme “Africa is Music”. The calendar features
back-to-back events traversing several countries in the five regions of
Africa. Some of these planned events include music/culture conferences;
country visits to converse with critical music/culture industry
stakeholders and high-octane music concerts tagged “Turn Up Africa”
which objective is to connect fans and followers of African music with
their favourite Africa music stars of the traditional and contemporary
genres.
In partnership with the African Union, the All Africa Music Awards is a
music property that recognises and rewards the work and talent of a
myriad of African artists from the old to the new generation of
musicians. Through its conference, AFRIMA also stimulates conversations
among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the
potential of the creative arts for real humanising enterprise on the
continent, contributing significantly to social cohesion, national,
regional and continental integration as well as sustainable development
in Africa. The award show is usually broadcast to over eighty countries
around the world

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May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

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May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

The most epic celebration of the year is coming as Dr. Kunle Marckenson returns to Nigeria after a successful Tours in London! De Crown Music International And Yommyright Entertainment International, in conjunction with Arems Entertainment, are thrilled to present his homecoming party and a vibrant welcome dance party.

 

Dr. Kunle Marckenson spent over two months in London, from January 23rd to March 29th, 2025, and he is now back in Nigeria, ready to share his experiences and announce his forthcoming album.

 

Join us on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, at 2pm prompt, at The City Pulse Lounge, beside Blue Roof Television in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, for an unforgettable experience. The all-white dress code party will feature an incredible lineup of artistes, including K-Shanana, Okiki Bright, Queen Tosin Eniba, Harmony Opee Gaji, Alhaji Sikiru Lemon, Amb. Abiodun Ejire Patira and Shola Melody, all sharing the stage with the guest of honor, Dr. Kunle Marckenson. The party will go all night, with great music and dancing.

 

This welcome dance party is a celebration of Dr. Kunle Marckenson’s successful UK tours and a chance for him to connect with his fans and share his experiences. With their combined talents, this party promises to be an electric celebration of music and good times. You’ll be surrounded by friends, family, and fellow music lovers, all united in their love for great music and good times. So mark your calendars for May 11th and get ready to party like never before. Don’t miss out on the ultimate welcome dance party of the year. See you there!

 

This event is proudly supported by FUMAN & top media partners like ARIYA 24/7 TV, City Pulse TV, Ghaj-Bash, OJUTOLE TV, Aroye TV, Owutu TV, Event Diaries & Lifestyle, Alore TV, Sahara Weekly & Others.

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ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

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ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

LAGOS, Nigeria — The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, may have celebrated Nigeria’s biggest music stars, but the night also marked a special turning point for a fast-rising name in the industry: Harcher.

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Although he was not among this year’s official nominees, Harcher, signed under Bullion Records, stole a significant slice of the spotlight with his charismatic red carpet appearance — thrilling fans both at the venue and those watching from home.

The Headies, hosted by Nollywood’s darling Nancy Isime, delivered a night packed with electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and major wins for stars like Chike, Rema, and the late Mohbad. However, when Harcher stepped onto the red carpet and caught the attention of popular media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, it ignited a wave of excitement that would ripple beyond the event hall.

Dressed sharply and exuding confidence, Harcher spoke passionately about his dreams during a heartfelt interview with Enioluwa.

“I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with legends like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy,” Harcher said, flashing a humble yet hopeful smile as cameras clicked and fans cheered.

He also took a moment to praise the Headies organizers for their role in promoting Nigerian music globally.
“The Headies have done so much for Nigerian entertainment,” Harcher said. “It’s amazing to see how our music is now celebrated all over the world because of platforms like this.”

In that moment, fans at home couldn’t contain their excitement — many took quick screenshots of Harcher’s TV appearance, proudly sharing the images across social media with captions like, “Our star is next!” Those present at the venue also seized the opportunity, swarming around Harcher for photographs after his interview, capturing memories with an artist they believe is destined for greatness.

Bullion Records’ Brightest Prospect

Harcher’s journey with Bullion Records has been marked by steady growth, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the grit of Hip-hop to craft relatable, energetic anthems that resonate with Nigeria’s youth. With every release, he has gained momentum — and Sunday night proved that the industry is beginning to take notice too.

Bullion Records, known for nurturing new talents, has high hopes for Harcher, a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded the label’s hotline — the popular “Bullion Records Hot Number” — with congratulatory messages after the red carpet interview aired.

“This is just the beginning for Harcher,” a Bullion Records fan club member said during a live Twitter Space. “Today he’s being interviewed among legends, tomorrow he’ll be winning awards right on that same stage!”

The Power of the Headies Next Rated Dream

The Headies’ Next Rated category has historically been a launching pad for future megastars like Wizkid (2011), Davido (2012), Rema (2019), and Tems (2021). While the 2025 Next Rated Award went to Odumodublvck, fans are already tipping Harcher as a front-runner for future editions.

Winning Next Rated not only brings industry recognition but also car prizes, endorsements, and international exposure — a reward that many believe is within Harcher’s reach sooner than later.

A Night of Celebration for Music

The Headies 2025 celebrated outstanding talent across Africa. Chike’s ‘Egwu’ featuring the late Mohbad was a major winner, scooping the Viewers’ Choice Award and Best Music Video. Rema’s ‘Heis’ bagged Album of the Year, while Tems won Best Recording of the Year with “Burning.” Special recognition awards went to influential figures like Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.

Even with all these major wins, Harcher’s simple presence, filled with passion and gratitude, managed to capture hearts — a testimony to his growing influence.

Looking Ahead

As the lights dimmed at the Energy Centre where the Headies was held, and fans filed out into the Lagos night, one thing was clear: Harcher’s time is coming. His fans — the ones who screenshotted him from their living rooms and those who took selfies with him live at the event — will be the ones to proudly say, “We saw it first.”

The 2025 Headies may have officially crowned its winners, but for Harcher and his ever-growing fanbase, it was the night a new star officially stepped into the spotlight.

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Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

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Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

 

The Easter Sunday edition of Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends themed ‘About Time’ may have come and gone, but not without leaving an indelible experience in the minds of attendees at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

Laffmattazz once again lived up to expectations, not just with a repertoire of top-notch performances from comedians and musicians, it offered a lot of giveaways and fun-filled experiences that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR) opened the epoch-making event with an electrifying ‘Dorime’ dance in the company of Kiekie.

This was followed by back-to-back performances from Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, one half of the famous P-Square group, Terry Akpala, Babatunmise, Keanzo, Omobaba No.1, Kenny Blaq, Taichi, Rapin Dady, Kiekie, Baba Alariya, Kamo State and Mr Escom, the rave of the moment and ‘pitipiti’ master.

Others included Stylo, Creative Tobi, Gbenga Laughter Castle, General Olak, Dr. Spencer, Parkage, Dr. Arotele, Pretty Fola and Pretty Arike, while DJ Secxy and DJ Mass showed their dexterity with monster hit mixes.

Also adding spice and glamour to the event were Sola Sobowale, Kunle Afolayan, Seun Soyinka, Toyosi Adesanya, the Oyin Adejobis, Lalude, FIRS top staff and top staff of 14 radio stations in Ibadan to mention a few.

It was indeed a night of complete entertainment as attendees engaged in a lot of games, winning prizes worth millions of naira in the process.

The fans participated in the Ibadan Yoruba challenge, dance competition, and there was a haircut segment on stage sponsored by HAIRSENSE Salon, who also gave out 10 clippers, while Bonike Bakery gave out many loaves of bread.

The Alhaji Razak Okoya owned Eleganza was not left out, giving out a lot of coolers, as there was plenty to drink, courtesy of Bigi.

 

Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

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