Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

Musician are so much united those days,… Ebenezer Obey

Published

on

By Ifeoma Ikem

My mother did not want me to be a musician because they were regarded wayward, sharing his experience, he said his mum wanted him to be a medical doctor she did every possible thing to stop him.

The veteran musician, Ebenezer Obey, called on Nigerian musicians to relate with one another and not to see their colleagues as competitors but as contributors to musical growth of the country because in those days we were so much united.

Ebenezer made the call during a press briefing at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Tuesday in preparation of Ariya Eko musical festival.

The musical festival will hold Dec.15 at Lagos City Hall, Lagos Island,which will feature renowned and upcoming musicians.

He commended the organisers of Ariya Eko for planning for such event.

According to him, “Lagos is a home of hospitality, it has produced over thousands of musicians in the music industry. We need to see ourselves as one not as a rival. I have my son and grandson doing music, they perform Juju music, play like me but not exactly like me, so every musician is gifted with different talent and also a contributor not competitor.

Speaking further, “my experience with my counterpart in music, King Sunny Ade, the competition which was projected by fans and media almost turned music into politics, but we always make sure we neutralized all that.

Ariya Eko started long time ago and it stands to develop indigenous music like Juju, Fuji, Afro-beat, Apala and all, “I really appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state for believing in artists and upholding the annual festival, ” he said.

Former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN and ace flutist, Tee Mac Omatsola Iseli, advised musicians on how to improved on the quality of their music and guide against imitating others as there is no shortcut to being perfect but through more knowledge .

According to him, musicians in the past rehearsed days before mounting the stage to perform but many upcoming artistes now go to the studio with a piece of paper without professional skills that are essential. “We do rehearsal on daily basis till the night of performaning.

“Now the artistes go to the studio with a piece of paper and somebody will put some beats down and some cords, and maybe the song will turn out well, No.”

“My advice to the younger musician is, there is no shortcut, you will rehearse thousands of hours before you become good. The young talents one, have potentials, but looking at the 70s and 80s, we had many bands that were excellent in Nigeria. If the younger generation wants to actually make an impact, and leave a legacy of music that can be listened to in 20 to 30 years’ time, the qualities of their songs must be improved not copying one another. Now we are in digital age playing with laptops did not make you are a superstar.”

“What make you a superstar is because a girl loves you? Music is a skill as you trained to be a medical doctor, or an architect, the same we musicians work hard to become professionals. To reach that level of Chief Commander Obey, to reach my level of the flute, I spent hundred thousand hours. Let the younger generation take that knowledge from us, they should listen to us when we correct them, it is not envy, but for you to work harder and improved,” he said.

Mrs Bimbo Esho, Managing Director, Evergreen Musical Company and organiser of Ariya Eko musical festival said that the 2019 edition would feature upcoming and renowned indigenous musicians. Also our aim in organising Ariya Eko is to come together to celebrate our indigenous music and icon.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

celebrity radar - gossips

Ayra Starr Breaks 16-Year Record, Wins Big at 2025 MOBO Awards

Published

on

Ayra Starr Breaks 16-Year Record, Wins Big at 2025 MOBO Awards

Ayra Starr Breaks 16-Year Record, Wins Big at 2025 MOBO Awards

 

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to clinch the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. Held in Newcastle, the prestigious event also saw the star taking home the coveted Best International Music Act award.

Ayra Starr now joins an elite group of Nigerian artists—including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022)—to win the MOBO Award for Best International Act.

The 2025 MOBO Awards, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the finest in Black music and culture. Following Ayra’s groundbreaking win, a post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”

Ayra Starr’s Emotional Acceptance Speech

During her acceptance speech, an emotional Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude to her supporters and team.

“Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous,” she said.

She continued, “Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

Other Big Winners

The 2025 MOBO Awards also saw other major wins. Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal took home notable awards, with Darkoo securing the Best Female Act award.

The MOBO X account celebrated Darkoo’s win with a post that read: “From bangers to big wins! @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory!”

About the MOBO Awards

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony honoring excellence in music of Black origin. It spans genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards have played a pivotal role in celebrating Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has launched and shaped countless careers.

With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs continue to highlight the powerful global influence of African music and its leading artists.

 

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Jide Omotinugbon, a visionary leader and distinguished son of Eruku City, receives our warmest birthday wishes

Published

on

Jide Omotinugbon, a visionary leader and distinguished son of Eruku City, receives our warmest birthday wishes

Jide Omotinugbon, a visionary leader and distinguished son of Eruku City, receives our warmest birthday wishes

 

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a seasoned Lagos-based journalist and BethNews Media international magazine publisher, celebrates the birthday of ErukuCity-born American-based Jide Omotinugbon

Rising publisher Oluwaseun Fabiyi has extolled the virtues of the indefatigable Jide Omotinugbon on his birthday today

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oluwaseun praised Jide Omotinugbon as a leader whose legacy will stand the test of time. The statement from Oluwaseun read: “Today we celebrate your birth and the indelible mark you are leaving. As the mastermind behind ErukuCity Ankara Night Carnival and a community developer, your strategic leadership has driven the rapid growth of our community and Kwara at large, generating numerous opportunities. We at Work While in School Media BethNews Media feel privileged to be part of your remarkable journey.”

Your continued support from our first interaction has been a melodic fusion of faith and teamwork, boosting our confidence and goals. May this special day fill you with joy beyond measure

As a trailblazer of excellence, your life inspires the youths of our generation, much like a beacon atop a hill. Your leadership prowess, demonstrated in various capacities both overseas and in Nigeria, is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to exponential growth

Your inspiring stories of resilience and determination, wherein you have effectively transformed obstacles into opportunities and nurtured your vision into a reality, have certainly enriched our shared experiences, and we are eternally thankful for the privilege of celebrating your achievements

As we celebrate your prudence and the divine guidance upon your life, may your subsequent days thrive with triumph and swiftness

You are a globally renowned architect whose humility and brilliance continually enhance your impressive accomplishments. May this birthday bring even greater successes, with each step guided by divine wisdom. May your heart be filled with peace and brilliance in every detail as you commemorate this occasion.

Jide Omotinugbon, a visionary leader and distinguished son of Eruku City, receives our warmest birthday wishes

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

Published

on

Ogun State Police Issue Warrant for Portable Over Violent Assault Allegations

Ogun State Police Declare Controversial Singer Portable Wanted for Leading Violent Assault on Government Officials

The Ogun State Police Command has declared Habeeb Olalomi, popularly known as Portable, wanted for allegedly leading a violent attack on government officials in the Ota area of the state.

In a statement issued Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that Portable, accompanied by nine armed thugs, launched the attack during an enforcement exercise conducted by the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on February 5, 2025.

The three officials – TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi – were conducting lawful enforcement duties at Odogwu Bar, a property associated with Portable, in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota.

Upon arrival, the officials met Portable’s father and requested to see the property’s approved building plan. While waiting for further information, Portable reportedly stormed the premises wielding firearms and dangerous weapons. The officials were violently assaulted but managed to flee and later reported the incident to the Ota Area Command.

Police Launch Manhunt as Portable Evades Arrest

Odutola revealed that the case was immediately referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further action. While nine of Portable’s accomplices were arrested, the singer fled the scene and has since gone into hiding.

Despite multiple formal invitations to appear at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters in Abeokuta, Portable reportedly ignored all attempts to contact him.

“Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted,” the police spokesperson confirmed.

Authorities are now urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to Portable’s arrest. “Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences,” the police warned, encouraging citizens to report tips through official communication channels or their nearest police station.

Court Proceedings Against Portable’s Accomplices

The development comes two weeks after nine of Portable’s associates were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta. The accused – Nurudeen Warris (21), Adetola Alashe (25), Samuel Adeleke (28), Oluwaseun Ayenuwa (19), Oluwapelumi Adeosun (20), Gospel Kanu (20), Precious Ohiegebo (19), Ifeoluwa Babatunde (27), and Fatimo Muhammed (26) – were charged with multiple criminal offences, including felony, assault, unlawful restriction, possession of dangerous weapons, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to police prosecutor Sunday Ekong, the accused, alongside Portable, allegedly assaulted and obstructed the officials during their enforcement duties. Ekong stated that the group was armed with dangerous weapons and caused a public disturbance.

The offences were said to have violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Bail Granted Amid Tight Conditions

Presiding Magistrate O.M. Somefun granted each defendant bail set at N5 million, with sureties of the same sum. The magistrate specified that the sureties must be licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.

The case has been adjourned until March 17, 2025, for hearing.

The Ogun State Police Command has vowed to apprehend Portable and ensure justice is served. Citizens remain on high alert as tensions surrounding the incident continue to escalate.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending