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AFRIMA: Beat S’Africa to hosting rights, stakeholders tell Tinubu, Musawa

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insists one edition must hold in Abuja, Jos, Kaduna

 

A culture and creative industry advocacy group, Arewa Creative Industry Heritage Vanguard, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, to lead efforts in securing the hosting rights for the next two editions of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)offered by the African Union Commission to Nigeria and South Africa as reported in the media recently. They want to ensure that at least one edition of the prestigious event takes place in the northern region of Nigeria of Kaduna, Jos or Abuja due to years of deliberate marginalization and deprivation of international events of this nature.

 

 

 

According to Dr Shehu Samadi, the President of the Vanguard, speaking from Kaduna, they have learned that the African Union (AU) invited the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to submit bids for the hosting rights for the next editions of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). As such, they are imploring and advising President Tinubu not to allow South Africa to beat Nigeria to the hosting rights as this will have implications on the national psyche of Nigerians and the development of the music industry. It called on the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa to update Nigerians on the progress made thus far in securing the AFRIMA hosting rights, for Nigerians to know how and where to assist in achieving this common objective.

 

 

 

The group, which comprises cultural enthusiasts, music industry stakeholders, and advocates for Northern Nigeria’s music heritage, recognizes the significance of AFRIMA in promoting African music and fostering cultural exchange across the continent and with the rest of the world. Therefore, they believe it is essential for Nigeria, especially the Northern region, to play a central role in hosting the event and showcasing the country’s rich creativity and cultural diversity from its point of expertise and cultural expression.

 

 

 

Samadi emphasized three significant reasons why President Tinubu should champion the course of securing the hosting rights. The group recalls with nostalgia how President Tinubu in 2015, in person received a 23.9 karat gold plated AFRIMA trophy as the pillar of Art and Culture in Africa presented by the African Union commission.” This should motivate the President to intensify efforts to secure the hosting rightshaving experience the creative power and the global influence of AFRIMA personally.

 

 

 

The second reason is that as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, President Tinubu can utilize the opportunity of hosting a large-scale event like this to further his commitment towards promoting unity, economic development, and cultural diversity in the region and on the continent. Although an event of AFRIMA’s scale can cause significant ripples across the continent and around the world, Nigeria stands a chance of benefiting the most, and we in the North hope to tap into the inherent benefits as against the past practice of marginalization where such international events are preserved for the exclusive experience of the southern part of Nigeria..”

 

 

 

Thirdly, the Nigerian Music industry has witnessed astronomical global growth with little or no input from successive governments. Hosting an AFRIMA by this government provides an appropriate platform for the Tinubu Administration to establish itself as a creative industry supporting the government as well as engendering positive perception and image for Nigeria to attract tourism and foreign direct investment.

 

 

 

“Fourth, we believe that Northern Nigeria has the potential to become a tourism hub, and hosting events like this can help mitigate the effect of insecurity in our region. We are eager to host an event like this because we strongly believe that it could be used to address the issues that have plagued our region, including terrorism and banditry. By promoting peace and tranquillity, our youth can embrace hope and prosperity as well promote the budding music talents in the region who require inspiration and pragmatic motivation” he said.

 

 

 

The group is advocating for the cities of Abuja, Jos and Kaduna to be considered as host cities for at least one of the two editions of AFRIMA. The group believes that these cities are strategically located, culturally significant, and have vibrant music scenes, making them ideal venues for the event.

 

 

 

The group expresses concern over what they perceive as a pattern of neglect in the hosting of key musical events, and they call for greater inclusivity and representation for the Northern region. They note that in recent years, there has been a growing sentiment among stakeholders in the Northern music industry that the region is often overlooked when it comes to hosting major international events.

 

 

 

Samadi said: “Despite boasting a wealth of cultural heritage and a thriving music industry, Northern Nigeria has frequently found itself sidelined in favour of other regions when it comes to hosting events of national and international significance. This is unfortunate.

 

 

 

“We strongly believe that hosting AFRIMA in Abuja, Jos and Kaduna would not only stimulate economic growth and promote tourism in the region but address this feeling of discrimination against us.

 

 

 

“In addition to the big music superstars from this part of the country, Abuja, Jos and Kaduna have the infrastructure, capacity, and cultural significance to host AFRIMA successfully. It is time for Northern Nigeria to be given the recognition it deserves on the continental stage.”

 

 

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Bodex Media Announces Frank Edoho as Host for Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) 5th Edition.

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Bodex Media is delighted to announce renowned Tv host and Photographer, Frank Edoho who is popularly known for his iconic stint on “Who Want to be a Millionaire” as the official host for its highly anticipated fifth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout, themed “SOCIAL MEDIA: THE INFLUENCE, POWER AND IMPACT.”

 

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at the Landmark Event Center, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, BSMH 5.0 promises an unforgettable day of networking, collaboration, learning, and excitement.

 

The event will feature live musical and dance performances, a green carpet extravaganza, games and fun activities, and exclusive food and drinks. Attendees will also stand a chance to win luxurious prizes, including an all-expenses-paid luxury weekend getaway, an exclusive dinner with a world-renowned music artist, and many more surprises.

 

Frank Edoho’s unique blend of humor, intelligence, and showmanship makes him a perfect choice to lead this momentous celebration of BSMH’s five years of success.

 

His remarkable ability to spark meaningful conversations and build connections with online communities through his engaging and witty interactions also makes him exceptionally well-suited to host this year’s edition.

 

When asked about hosting the event, Frank Edoho’s response was short, sleek, and confident, leaving no doubt that he’s ready to bring his A-game.

 

“We are on. I have booked it,” he said.

 

Media personality and event/Tv host, Marianna Orji, will host the green carpet, ensuring attendees are treated to a memorable experience.

 

According to the convener, Bodex Hungbo, this year’s edition of the BSMH event is open to all, with no registration required.

“With high-profile appearances from influencers, celebrities, stakeholders, political figures, and artists, this event is set to be a star-studded spectacle”. She said.

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Legendary And Multifaceted Music Maestro, Quincy Jones, dies at 91

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Quincy Jones, the legendary and multifaceted music producer known for his work with icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Surrounded by his family in his Bel Air home, the news of his death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, and reported by Yahoo and The Guardian on Monday.

Jones’ loved ones shared a heartfelt statement: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.

“And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Renowned for his unmatched contribution to music, Quincy Jones’ career spanned more than 70 years, earning him an indelible place in history as one of the most awarded artists ever.

With 28 Grammy wins from 80 nominations, he stands as the third most-decorated Grammy winner, surpassed only by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, who hold 88 nominations each, reports the Guardian.

Reflecting on his diverse musical journey, Jones once noted: “When people write about the music, jazz is in this box, R&B is in this box, pop is in this box, but we did everything.”

Jones’ influence extended beyond his accolades.

The legendary producer behind Michael Jackson’s top hits in 2017 won $9.4 million in damages from the late superstar’s estate over posthumous works.

A jury in Los Angeles sided with the 84-year-old producer but gave him only part of the $30 million he was seeking.

He famously produced Michael Jackson’s iconic albums Thriller, Off the Wall, and Bad, which reshaped the landscape of pop music.

His versatility was evident in his collaborations with artists across genres, including Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, George Benson, and Dizzy Gillespie. His legacy includes co-writing and producing the global charity single We Are The World, a song that brought together some of the greatest voices for humanitarian causes.

In addition, he was a successful composer of numerous film scores, bringing his musical touch to Hollywood classics.

Quincy’s talents transcended music alone; he founded his own TV and film production company in 1990, achieving notable success with beloved projects like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Color Purple.

His entrepreneurial spirit continued with the launch of Qwest TV in 2017, an on-demand music streaming service that showcased his enduring dedication to the art form.

Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early years were marked by resilience and discovery. After his parents’ separation, he moved to Washington state with his father, where he began exploring his musical talents.

By 14, he was playing in a band with a young Ray Charles, even once backing the legendary Billie Holiday. His path led him to New York after studying music in university, where he performed with jazz band leader Lionel Hampton and played trumpet for Elvis Presley’s first television appearances.

Jones’ career took a defining turn when he became a producer and arranger at Mercury Records, also beginning his work in film scoring. Notably, he was the first African American to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song with The Eyes of Love from Banning in 1968, the first of his seven nominations.

Quincy Jones lifetime
Despite his towering success, Quincy’s life was not without its perils. He narrowly escaped death during the infamous 1969 Manson family murders, having forgotten an engagement at Sharon Tate’s house that night. He also survived a brain aneurysm in 1974, a testament to his resilience.

Yahoo reported that Jones’ personal life was as storied as his career. Married three times, he first wed his high school sweetheart, Jeri Caldwell, in a union that lasted nine years and brought forth their daughter Jolie. His second marriage to Ulla Andersson produced two children, Quincy Jr. and Martina, before ending in 1974. That same year, he married actress Peggy Lipton, with whom he had daughters Rashida and Kidada; the couple separated in 1989. Jones also fathered daughter Rachel with Carol Reynolds and had another daughter, Kenya, with actress Nastassja Kinski.

The Guardian described Jones as “widely and wildly talented,” a true industry titan whose influence spanned generations and genres. His family’s statement echoes the sentiment of millions: “We celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

In an era where music boundaries were sharply defined, Quincy Jones stood as a beacon of boundless creativity and collaboration. His legacy is an enduring reminder of the power of music to bridge divides and inspire greatness.

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FULL LIST: Nigeria ranks fifth globally in daily social media usage

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Nigerians rank among the world’s top social media users, with 2024 data placing the country fifth globally for average daily time spent online.

According to figures from Cable.co.uk and We Are Social in 2024, posted by World of Statistics on X on Sunday, Nigerians spend an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.

Leading the list is Kenya, where people spend the most time on social media, at 3 hours and 43 minutes daily. South Africa follows closely with 3 hours and 37 minutes, Brazil at 3 hours and 34 minutes, and the Philippines at 3 hours and 33 minutes.

Nigeria’s average of 3 hours and 23 minutes places it just behind these countries in social media engagement.

Other countries with high social media usage include Colombia (3:22), Chile (3:11), and Indonesia (3:11). Saudi Arabia and Argentina round out the top ten with daily averages of 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 8 minutes, respectively.

In comparison, some countries record lower social media engagement, such as Ghana with 2 hours and 43 minutes, Egypt with 2 hours and 41 minutes, and Thailand with 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Among European nations, Portugal (2:23), Romania (2:20), and Italy (2:17) rank lower on the list, indicating that social media usage varies significantly by region.

Full list:
Kenya – 03:43
South Africa – 03:37
Brazil – 03:34
Philippines – 03:33
Nigeria – 03:23
Colombia – 03:22
Chile – 03:11
Indonesia – 03:11
Saudi Arabia – 03:10
Argentina – 03:08
Mexico – 03:04
Malaysia – 02:48
Ghana – 02:43
Egypt – 02:41
Thailand – 02:30
Bulgaria – 02:26
Vietnam – 02:23
Portugal – 02:23
Romania – 02:20
Italy – 02:17

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