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‘I’m the Cultural Ambassador of Nigeria Music’-Floxy Bee, Yeye Asa, Queen of Hikosso

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FLORENCE TRAUTMAN, famously known as ‘Floxy Bee’ across the world is endowed, talented and passionate about her love for Nigerian culture. She cherishes African cultural heritage greatly. Far away in many parts of Africa, she is an embodiment of Mariam Makeba’s style of cultural music. She loves Nigeria, dress Nigeria’s native attires wherever she goes. She plays Hikosso, which literally translates a potpourri of African genres of music. When on stage, she sings in Yoruba dialect, one of Nigeria’s major ethnic languages with resonatic rhythm of percussion, ‘bata’, konga, drums , ‘gan-gan’ and other African music instruments supplying true Nigerian melody to her stage choreography. Floxy Bee is respected and loved greatly around the world. In this Exclusive Interview, this Modakeke born music diva from Ife, Osun States takes us through why she is still being celebrated worldwide as Nigeria’s Cultural Music Ambassador, how she has been representing African culture in most global circles, true meaning of Yeye Asa of The Source, her Citations, Several World Music Awards; how she was bestowed Honorary Doctorate Degree from All Saints University in Boston, her Nostalgic music show in Harlem’s Legendary Apollo Theater, America, her Clothing Line and other issues.

 

Q: How will you describe your Hikosso brand of music?

A: To describe my music in one word, Hikosso means variety: a potpourri of African genres of Music, consisting of Highlife, Makossa, Soukous, Jazz, Afrobeat, to mention a few. All of the above are called Hikosso!

 

 

Q: What inspires your brand of music?

A: My brand of music is inspired by my Culture and Traditions.

 

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Q: How come you render your songs in Yoruba dialect being one of Nigeria’s major ethnic languages?

A: l render my songs flawlessly in Yoruba because l am a Yoruba Woman.

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Q: How do you derive inner satisfaction playing your brand of music?

A: I love what l do and l have fun doing it. It gives me a great pleasure that l can share my music with the world.

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Q: Can you take us through some evergreen music shows you will never forget?

A: I have had many memorable big shows. The biggest thrill l had was when l performed at Harlem’s Legendary Apollo theater where virtually every major black artists had been before, that made me feel that Hikosso Music had arrived in America.

 

 

Q: How do you ensure pirates are not feasting and feeding fat on your works?

A: I am a member of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN). It is difficult to monitor (piracy) if you are millions of miles away (from Nigeria). COSON is doing some of the monitoring, thank God.

 

 

 

Q: Why do you always dress in Nigeria’s native outfits?

A: I dress in my native attire because I am comfortable in it and l have been a Cultural ambassador of Nigeria.

 

Q: Kindly take us through some music awards you have won?

A: I have been promoting African music and Culture for years and have received a couple of citations and awards, hence the label Nigeria’s Music Ambassador.

 

 

Q: What led to your stage name ‘Floxy Bee’?

A: My Baptismal name is Florence Benjamin hence Floxybee. In retrospect, as I have become a representative of African Culture l might have been better served if l had used my African name Oluwatoyin, however there’s only one Floxybee, since Floxybee is a global brand.

 

 

Q: Can you take us through your been bestowed Yeye Asa of The Source (Mother of The Source)?

A: The Adagba 1 Oba Bolu Fatunmise is from Ile-Ife Iyanfoworogi, a great artist himself, deemed it fit to bestow upon me the title “Yeye Asa” meaning Mother of the Source due to my contributions to the spread of African Music and Culture in the Diaspora. It was in recognition that l was not polluted by other (alien) cultures but standing true to my roots.

 

 

Q: How about news of your Clothing Line making a huge wave in Nigeria

A: My Clothing Line when it goes into production will be available online, at my shows and at one or two select stores in Lagos State.

 

 

How can your fans order for this Clothing Line?

A: lf anyone is interested in my Clothing Line kindly send us an email to: [email protected] promise to personally keep you updated.

 

 

Q:Tell us about your Honorary Doctorate award and how Music can be used to Re-brand Nigeria

A: I have an honorary Doctorate degree from All Saints University, citations from the city of Boston and Newark, Several World Music Awards and l am the holder of Yeye Asa of The Source, a Yoruba Chieftaincy title.

 

 

Q: How come your music harp on moral decadence and lawlessness in Nigeria and Africa?

A:Our Music reminds people of our rich and unique cultural traditions. Historically, our culture as had important influence in the Diaspora. Most societies have lost their way, sometimes the way forward means going back. Going back also means going back to our values, as in respect for our elders, our environment and the unity of the family.

 

By so doing we will develop the spirit of patriotism. To re-brand Nigeria, 99.9% of the population must feel responsible towards the nation. The nation as a whole must participate in the development of Nigeria as in cleansing of Bribery and Corruption, change in attitude in the way we see money as priority, not as a means to an end.

 

 

Q:How can the Nigerian Entertainment Industry progress to higher grounds?

A: For the nations’ entertainment industry to move forward, all artistes, entertainers, musicians need 24 hours electricity supply in 365 days in a year to perfect our art. For music practice and perfection, we need constant light or else we will fall short from the world standard of what it takes to be a first class artiste.

 

We need water to wash, to feel good and smell fresh. We need security to be able to move at night and not in be constant fear of being attacked by armed robbers. President Muhammadu Buhari should also have a sense of responsibility towards the citizens, be they artistes, artists or laymen. The welfare of the citizens should be uppermost on his agenda. The President should provide funding for traditional musicians because our culture is no longer fashionable and is in danger of being lost.

 

 

Q:What lessons has life taught you?

A: Life as taught me to be humble, to never say never, nor ever give up. To turn dreams into reality takes hard work. And I know that nothing in this world is free.

 

 

Q: Finally, your message to your fans around the world

A: Always believe in yourself, work hard and leave the rest to God.

 

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Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

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General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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