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You owe no apology to Muslims – Wole Soyinka defends Davido

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You owe no apology to Muslims - Wole Soyinka defends Davido

You owe no apology to Muslims – Wole Soyinka defends Davido

Nobel prize winner and Literary icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has said that Davido does not owe Muslims an apology over a controversial music video of his signee, Logos Olori, he shared on Twitter.

Recall that Davido bowed to pressure and deleted the music video snippet after being accused of disrespecting Islam by posting a video showing people praying and dancing in front of a mosque.

In spite of deleting the video, some Muslims are still demanding an apology from the singer.

Rising to defend Davido over the recent incident, Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka accused former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai of making derogatory comments against Christians in the past but was never asked to apologise.

He also noted that it wasn’t Davido’s music that lynched Deborah Yakubu, a second-year Christian college student who was killed by a mob of Muslim students in Sokoto last year over alleged blasphemy.

In his words, “The following should not be needed, but we appear to inhabit a nation space where memory deficiency has become an accreditation badge of competence in national affairs. I recall my intervention, several years ago, in an attempt to pillory former Governor of Kaduna State, El Rufai over some comment he had made that was considered derogatory to followers of Christianity.

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“I forget the reference now but I do distinctly recall another of a bank manager who, at Easter tide, referred to the risen Christ as a metaphor for the risen dough in the bakeries of Oshodi. Something along those lines. Under obvious pressure, he apologized, and I rebuked him for the gesture.

“There was nothing to apologize about, and that applied equally to El Rufai’s comments at the time. It should come as no surprise that I equally absolutely disagree with Shehu Sani if indeed, as reported, he has demanded an apology from Davido on behalf of the Muslim community.

“No apology is required, None should be offered. Let us stop battening down our heads in the mush of contrived contrition – we know where contrition, apology and restitution remain clamorous in the cause of closure and above all – justice. Such apologies have not been forthcoming. In their place, we have the ascendancy of petulant censorship in the dance and music department. Just where will it end?

“It goes beyond mere elation or euphoria and involves surrender of the ego to the mystical and sublime – through dance. The secularization of that medium stretches across religions, and offers the artistes’ a means of invoking a sense of spiritual community, through a common act of self-surrender.

“As already admitted, I have not seen the clip, but I insist on the right of the artiste to deploy dance in a religious setting as a fundamental given. Such deployment is universal heritage, most especially applicable in the case of Islam where a plot of land, even without the physical structure, can be turned, in the twinkling of an eye, into a sacral space for believers to gather and worship in between mundane pursuits.

“Let us learn to read it that way. Those who persist in taking offence to bed and serving it up as breakfast should exercise their right of boycotting Davido’s products – no one quarrels with that right. However, it is not a cause for negative and incitive excitation.

“The greater responsibility is to face squarely the root issues of religion in the nation. That root issue is starkly stated thus: the sectarian appropriation of the power of life and death across a community of believers, other believers, and even non-believers alike, be it for real, imagined, or deliberately contrived offence.

“It was not Davido’s music that lynched Deborah Yakubu and continues to frustrate the cause of justice. Nor has it contributed to the arbitrary detention of religious dissenters – call them atheists or whatever – such as Mubarak Bala, now languishing in prison for his 38th month. These are the provocations where every citizen should exercise the capacity for revulsion.

“They are the issues deserving of, indeed exercise primary claim on a nation’s capacity for righteous indignation. All else is secondary. Distractive piffle”.

You owe no apology to Muslims – Wole Soyinka defends Davido

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AGN holds candlelight service for late Nollywood veterans in FCT

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The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has organised a candlelight procession to pay tribute to late Nollywood actors John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians, alongside fans and friends of the late veterans, gathered for the procession at the Unity Fountain on Monday night in Abuja.

The procession was led by Emeka Rollas, National President of the AGN, alongside veteran actors Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, and Sidney Idiala, among others.

In a heartfelt display of respect and emotions, the attendees took turns to pay tribute to the fallen heroes for their contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Mercy  Salma, FCT mayor of AGN, said the event was to show appreciation and honour for the life and times of the late actors.

“These are Nollywood veterans who put smiles on the faces of Nigerians during their lifetime, so we should celebrate their legacies and memories.

“They have both the young and the old Nigerians, and even across Africa and beyond as their fans.”

“So this procession is to show that we love them and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to our industry and nation at large,” she said.

In his speech, Emeka Rollas said the procession was to demonstrate the solidarity that exists in the actors guild and to reflect on the moments they shared with the late thespians.

According to the AGN helmsman, the candlelight service was also an occasion for actors to reflect on how they want to be remembered at the end of their works.

“This is a season of sorrow for us at the AGN, our hearts are filled with grief over the loss of our three veteran members.

“But as the saying goes, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

“The Late John Okafor, Amaechi Monaugor and Zulu Adigwe lived a life that exemplified brilliance and inspired emulation.

“They also lived a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit, and they made an impact on the society through their profession.

“Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities.

“They all played unique and special roles in all of our lives and the acting profession and they were loyal colleagues and special friends to many of us.

“Today,  we honour these men as we recall special moments, they were living proof of how fine a person can be, with caring hearts to their friends and colleagues, loving and devoted fathers to their children.

They gave their all in their acting careers as they worked with passion, integrity and energy and our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time,” he said.

(NAN)

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Yemi Alade set to break music boundaries with “Rebel Queen”

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Award-winning music sensation Yemi Alade says her highly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Rebel Queen’, is poised to break musical boundaries and inspire a new wave of artists.

The album, her 10th musical project, is a testament to her innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of African music.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Yemi Alade shared her vision for the album, stating, “I am a true rebel in words and in action.

“I’ve always charted my own course and walked the path less travelled. ‘Rebel Queen’ embodies this spirit, blending the new and old, the familiar and the unexpected.

“The 16-track album will take listeners on a sonic journey across Africa, showcasing diverse tempos and rhythms, with features from acclaimed artists from around the world,” she said.

The “Johnny” hit maker also revealed “Each song is a unique capsule of my thoughts, melodies, and a truckload of nostalgia.

“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this project, and I’m confident it will resonate with fans of all ages and backgrounds.

“ ‘Rebel Queen’ delves into themes of femininity, style, dance, motivation, liberation, and consciousness,” she said.

She emphasised, “I’m not afraid to explore new sounds and challenge the status quo.

“This album is a reflection of my growth, creativity, and passion for music that transcends borders and generations.”

“Get ready to experience the revolutionary sound of Africa’s Rebel Queen,” she concluded.

(NAN)

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Kizz Daniel releases new single “Double” dedicated to his wife

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Renowned music sensation, Daniel Anidugbe, a.k.a Kizz Daniel, has released his latest single, ‘Double’, a heartfelt dedication to his wife, Marian

Marian stars as the vixen in the accompanying music video.

The Chief Executive Officer of Artmatazz Media, a media company to the superstar, Christian Agadibe, disclosed this in Enugu on Friday.

He said the new single, marks a significant milestone in Kizz Daniel’s career as he embraces themes of love and family while continuing to deliver chart-topping hits.

“‘Double, showcases Kizz Daniel’s signature blend of Afrobeat rhythms, infectious choruses and soulful melodies, creating a vibrant and romantic anthem that resonates with fans worldwide.

“The song is a celebration of love, partnership, and the double joy that comes from sharing life’s journey with someone special.

“The music video, set to premiere on the same day as the audio release, features intimate and joyful moments between Kizz Daniel and his wife, offering fans a glimpse into their beautiful bond,” he said.

He added that Kizz Daniel had been steadily evolving his musical narrative, and ‘Double’ was a testament to his dedication to family values.

“This single follows a series of successful releases that highlight his versatility and commitment to creating music that speaks to different facets of life and varying demographics.

“Recent hits such as ‘Twe Twe’, ‘Showa’, and ‘Too Busy to be Bae’ have captivated audiences with their relatable lyrics and infectious beats. Additionally, his latest EP, ‘Thankz a Lot’ has been praised for its heartfelt compositions and artistic depth,” Agadibe said.

He quoted Kizz Daniel saying, “I wanted to create a song that not only celebrates my love for my wife but also speaks to the beauty of partnership and family.

“Having her grace the screen with me makes this project even more special to me. I hope that ‘Double’ resonates with everyone who listens and reminds them of the importance of love and togetherness.”

Agadibe noted that with over four billion streams under his belt, two Shazam chart-topping singles, sold-out tours across Africa, North America, and Europe, and over 25 million social media fans, Kizz Daniel was one of the leading figures at the forefront of representing afrobeat on the world stage.

Describing him as an enigmatic musician, Agadibe, said he is the epitome of an all-round entertainer with a magnetic tone, captivating lyrics, alluring stage and screen presence.

(NAN)

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