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‘Buga’Song, Reflection of FESTAC ’77, Says Lai Mohammed

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The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described a famous song `Buga’, released by Kizz Daniel, as a connection and reflection of FESTAC `77, held in Lagos State.

FESTAC ’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international festival held in Lagos, from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977.

Mohammed said this in Abuja on Wednesday at the Annual Public Lecture and Symposium to commemorate FESTAC ’77 @ 45 Anniversary with the title “Deepening Intercultural Dialogue and Integration for Global Peace’’.

The programme was organised by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

The minister, who was represented by the Director-General of, the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said that Nigerian artistes had been `bugaring’ since 1977 when the country hosted the festival.

He said that the festival was the largest pan-Africa gathering of the time and a moment of glory for Nigeria for bringing together 56 countries at a time.

“I believe that without much Ado, we have been able to see the connection between the Nigeria of yesterday, today and that of tomorrow.

“The Nigerians have started bugaring from 1977 that is why today there is a connection with the youths of today starting what we called Buga.

“I realised that a famous singer, king Sunny Ade, started `Bugaring’ in 1977 but we did not connect with the message. Today, the message is that there is hope for Africa and the entire world.’’

The minister recalled that FESTAC `77 attracted over 16,000 participants and 56 countries, adding that the festival gave birth to FESTAC town which accommodated 45,000 visitors.

“It also gave birth to the iconic building, the National Theatre, in Lagos which was a replica of a Bulgarian design as far back as 1977.

“It played over 77 plays, 50 music and of course 40 art exhibitions with 200 poetry. I cannot imagine this kind of quality package in the history of any African country.

“Artistes that came included the like of Steve Wonder from USA and others,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Bawuro Barkindo, recalled that 45 years ago when FESTAC `77 took place, Nigeria was in a jubilant mood.

Barkindo said that it was the time when the country used petrol-dollar to execute impactful projects and activities.

Also, the Director-General of CBAAC, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao, said hosting FESTAC ’77 45 years ago, was a tremendous undertaking that witnessed the greatest and biggest gathering of Black and African peoples both at home and in the diaspora, in a rare show of solidarity and cultural display.

“FESTAC was an epochal event that revived the hope and aspirations of Black and African peoples in a world where they were treated without respect, dignity and recognition.

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“Nigeria’s acceptance to organize FESTAC was majorly influenced by the need to recall, record and document the contributions of Africa and peoples of African descent throughout the world to human civilization.’’

According to her, FESTAC equally took place to project African cultures to the world and strengthen the historical connection and relationship between Africa and the Diaspora.

“Interestingly today, 45 years after FESTAC, Black and African peoples are beginning to take up their rightful places in the world, in medicine, science and technology, sports, music and entertainment, education, arts and creativity and several areas of human endeavour.

“The contributions of the black and African people to the advancement of the world today are well documented and appreciated.

“Today, we are gathered here to commemorate FESTAC @ 45, not in the same magnitude as in 1977 but in a unique way.

“Many activities have been assembled to make this celebration memorable,’’ she said.

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Actor Kunle Remi welcomes first baby with wife, Tiwi

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Actor Kunle Remi welcomes first baby with wife, Tiwi

Nollywood actor Kunle Remi and his wife, Tiwi, have welcomed their first child following a challenging medical journey.

The couple shared their emotional path to parenthood, revealing the hardships they endured, including a difficult medical discovery, prolonged bed rest, and over 80 days of faith-driven visits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

In an emotional video post on Wednesday, the actor via his official Instagram page, @kunleremiofficial, expressed gratitude to God, reflecting on the trials and triumphs of their journey.

Remi wrote: “From an early arrival… to the unfolding of God’s perfect timing.

“From waiting, countless NICU visits, and clinging to God for 11 weeks and three days (that’s 80 days of faith).

“Our story is living proof that God is God — unfailing, unwavering, and faithful till the very end.

“From an unexpected and unsettling medical discovery… to complete bed rest.

“From juggling demanding work schedules… to hopping on flights, both locally and internationally.”

The couple’s love story has been in the public eye, since the actor surprised Tiwi with a marriage proposal during a visit to the United States in early 2024.

They later held a grand wedding in January 2024, attended by top Nollywood celebrities

Fans and colleagues have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the couple’s resilience and the arrival of their baby.

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2Baba’s Family Declares Him Missing, Petitions DSS Amid Controversy

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The family of Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has raised alarm over his disappearance, declaring him missing and petitioning the Department of State Services (DSS) for urgent intervention.

The petition, signed by Wilson Anuge of Anuge, Anuge & Co., has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread concern among fans and the entertainment industry.

The document states: “We are writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding a profoundly troubling situation involving a member of the Idibia Family.

“Mr. Innocent Idibia (also known as Tuface or 2Baba), our client, is reasonably believed to be missing since Monday, February 10.

“We believe that Mr. Innocent left his residence in the early hours of February 10 in his loungewear, suggestive that he was going on his habitual walk, but he has not returned home since then.

“In spite of the best efforts of his family members, staff, and management of his record label to reach or locate him, including reaching out to his friends and acquaintances, all efforts have proved abortive.

“They have been unable to establish any contact or ascertain his whereabouts.”

This development comes just 24 hours after 2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, made an emotional appeal to Nigerians, urging them to intervene in a situation involving Edo State lawmaker, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.

In a viral video, Mrs. Idibia accused the 31-year-old granddaughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly of casting a spell on the music star.

She alleged that her son was not in his right state of mind when he proposed to Osawaru, adding that his ongoing divorce battle with his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, had left him vulnerable.

“Good evening, Nigerians. My name is Mrs. Rose Idibia, the mother of 2Face,” she said in the video.

“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.

“My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son well. That is not him.

“Please Natasha, the beads you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him.”

2Baba’s rumored romance with Osawaru has been a trending topic all week, with reports of the singer visiting the Edo State Assembly complex and later being spotted with the lawmaker at a Lagos nightclub.

The situation has fueled public speculation, adding to concerns over the singer’s mysterious disappearance.

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President Tinubu Hails Tems for Grammy Win, Celebrates Nigerian Music’s Global Impact

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President Tinubu Hails Tems for Grammy Win, Celebrates Nigerian Music's Global Impact

President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, for her remarkable achievement in winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the singer for her outstanding artistry, which has once again brought global recognition to Nigeria. “The President celebrates the rise of a new generation of young and multi-talented Nigerian musical artists who have propelled Afrobeats to international prominence, projecting the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation, creativity, and cultural influence,” the statement read.

Tinubu highlighted the far-reaching impact of Nigerian music: “From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly, Afrobeats has become a source of national pride, promoting a sense of identity and self-expression while uniting people across borders.”

The President also congratulated other Nigerian artists nominated at this year’s Grammys: Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Lojay, Davido, and Burna Boy. He expressed gratitude for their role in putting Nigeria on the global map of great musical achievements, showcasing the country’s creative excellence.

“You are all inspiration and role models to many young people. The nation remains deeply grateful for your contributions to music, job creation, and tourism promotion. I wish you all continued success in your musical careers,” President Tinubu added.

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