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Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise

Published

3 years ago

September 19, 2023

Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger As Germans Mourn His Demise

Life And Times Of Pop Legend Roger Whittaker As Germans Mourn His Demise

The singer Roger Whittaker (“Albany”) is dead. He died on September 13th at the age of 87, as his record company Sony Music announced to the German Press Agency on Monday. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on it.

Whittaker had been living in seclusion for years

Anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 80s heard Roger Whittaker’s music – whether voluntarily or involuntarily. His songs were played by his parents or grandparents. The British singer with the gentle baritone voice was often a guest on the ZDF hit parade and other TV entertainment shows. Feel-good hits and catchy ballads – some say tearjerkers – were his forte. Whittaker sold millions of records not only in Germany. Now he has died.

“Farewell is a sharp sword that often cuts deep into your heart,” says one of his biggest hits. “Someday the best time will come to an end, ooh ooh.” And so Whittaker withdrew from the public years ago. “Unfortunately, Roger has completely retired and is no longer giving interviews,” wrote his agent in response to a request from the German Press Agency on the singer’s 85th birthday in 2021.

Studies financed with performances in clubs and pubs

At the beginning of the 1960s, the musical career of the trained zoologist, marine biologist and biochemist took off. The son of English immigrants was born in 1936 in Nairobi in what was then the British colony of Kenya. After military service, dropping out of medical school in Cape Town and a temporary job as a teacher in Nairobi, Whittaker moved to Europe. He completed a second course of study in Wales with a Bachelor of Science.

He financed his studies by performing as a singer in clubs and pubs – and also composed his own songs. So one thing led to another. In 1962 he recorded his first single “The Charge Of The Light Brigade”, a pompous country number. The musician only found his own style, with which he enjoyed worldwide success, at the end of the 1960s.

Whittaker’s most prominent fan: US President Bush

According to Whittaker, beard growth also played a role. “Early in my career I saw myself on television and thought: This face won’t work,” he told the Daily Express years ago. “So I grew the beard back that I had in university.” Still, he never looked like a pop star. With a Henriquatre beard, jacket, glasses and hair that had turned gray since the 80s, he looked like the friendly man next door – a likeable and authentic image that matched his music.

The all-whistled instrumental number “Mexican Whistler” was his first hit in the UK in 1967. The ballad “Durham Town” marked the big breakthrough two years later. Songs like “The Last Farewell” or “Indian Lady” soon made Roger Whittaker popular in other countries. His most prominent fan was former US President George HW Bush, who invited him to his house and sang at his golden wedding anniversary.

African influences in Whittaker’s music

One of Whittaker’s biggest hits, “The Last Farewell”, only became a success four years after its release. After the song made it onto American radio and the US top 20 in 1975, it also became a huge success in Europe. In the UK it reached number 2 on the charts, just behind Rod Stewart’s “Sailing”. Later even Elvis Presley recorded “The Last Farewell”.

Here and there, Whittaker’s music contained the African influences that he had absorbed during his youth in Nairobi. “The beautiful drumming and those wonderful, infectious rhythms have been a major influence in everything I’ve ever written and sung,” Whittaker was quoted as saying on his website.

Huge Whittaker fan base in Germany

He had his most loyal fan base in Germany. He therefore recorded many songs in German using phonetic transcription, although he had to struggle with the umlauts. “The worst German word is tenderness,” joked the songwriter in a 2012 “BamS” interview. “So purely phonetically, of course.” His greatest successes include “Albany” and “Farewell is a Sharp Sword”, which were written by the composer and producer Klaus Munro.

From the 80s onwards, Whittaker’s style increasingly shifted to German hits – stylistically somewhere between the Flippers and Howard Carpendale. In 1986 he sang: “I need a little aroma, a little Paloma, a little chichi today, Chérie!” Whittaker released dozens of albums in Germany. For his life’s work, the British gentleman of the German hit was honored with the “Platinum Tuning Fork” and the “Crown of Folk Music”.

Roger Whittaker also lived up to his friendly image in his private life. The family man and dog fan had been married to his wife Natalie since 1964, who later also became his manager. The couple has five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After living in Ireland for a long time, the Whittakers moved to the south of France in 2012 – for the warmer weather, of course.

celebrity radar - gossips

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

Published

3 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Confusion, Panic As Reports Of Alexx Ekubo’s Death Rock Nollywood

The Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into confusion and panic on Tuesday following viral reports alleging that popular Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, had died at the age of 40.

The shocking claim, which spread rapidly across social media platforms and blogs, alleged that the actor died in Lagos after battling undisclosed health complications, sparking an outpouring of grief from stunned fans and colleagues.

As the rumours gained momentum online, several actors, movie producers and entertainment enthusiasts flooded Instagram and X with emotional reactions, describing the development as “heartbreaking,” “unbelievable” and “a dark day for Nollywood.”

Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe was among those who reacted emotionally, reportedly lamenting that the industry had lost “a rare soul” whose charisma and talent helped shape modern Nollywood.

Alexx Ekubo, widely admired for his stylish persona, romanti movie roles and strong social media influence, rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria competition before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors.

The development also reignited conversations surrounding the actor’s prolonged absence from social media in recent months, which had earlier triggered concern among fans over his wellbeing.
Despite the widespread reports, confusion continued to trail the story as no official statement had been issued by the actor’s family, management or close associates confirming the alleged death as of press time.

The uncertainty surrounding the reports further fueled tension online, with many Nigerians demanding clarity while others urged the public against spreading unverified information.

celebrity radar - gossips

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Published

14 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

JOY AS SHEBABY SPARKS PREGNANCY SPECULATION YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE

Popular Nigerian actress, singer and dancer, Seyi Ariyo, popularly known as Shebaby, has stirred reactions on social media following speculations that she is expecting a child years after getting married.

The development has generated excitement among fans and colleagues, especially on Instagram where many have continued to flood her page with congratulatory messages and prayers.

While some admirers celebrated the actress and prayed that her joy would be permanent, others pointed to a viral video currently making rounds online, where several entertainers, among them Oyita, a close friend, Tawa Ajisefinni, Seyi Ẹdun, Bukky Fagbuyi, and a host of others including Olú Maintain, were seen rejoicing and congratulating her.

Although Shebaby is already a mother with a grown daughter, the latest development has continued to attract attention within the entertainment industry and among her followers.

Before now, the London-based entertainer had built a strong reputation for herself in both music and acting. She has released several songs and also worked alongside notable Fuji star Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other respected entertainers in the industry.

In the movie sector, Shebaby is also regarded as a household name. Sources close to the actress revealed that she is currently working on a new project titled Father Forgive Me.

Fans and colleagues have continued to pray for the actress, wishing her safe delivery and more happiness in her home.

#Shebaby #SeyiAriyo #EntertainmentNews #Nollywood #Pasuma #Olumaintain #CelebrityNews

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Published

3 days ago

May 9, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.