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  • Elegushi pledges support for grassroots tennis

    Elegushi pledges support for grassroots tennis

    Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Elegushi Kingdom in Lagos State has expressed his support for the growth and development of grassroots tennis in state.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of 9th  Oba Elegushi Tennis Championships at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in  Onikan,  Elegushi said  his love for the game of tennis at grassroots propelled his  sponsorship  the competition.

    The annual competition for members of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan is sponsored by  Elegushi.

    According to him, the sponsorships  is a reflection of his commitment to the sport’s development and the encouragement of participants to maintain their fitness levels.

    The tournament, which lasted for a week, featured over 30 male and female players who competed in teams for honours at the tournament.

    The grand finale took place at the Lord Rumens Centre Court and was witnessed by Oba Elegushi himself.

    As the tournament reaches a significant milestone in 2024, Elegushi pledged to raise the standards even further in the 10th  edition.

    This, he said, would be by transforming it into an international affair with the participation of more foreign players.

    Read Also: Oba Saheed Elegushi pays courtesy visit to Rita Dominic, husband on Christmas day

    “I’m a lover of tennis and Lagos Lawn Tennis Club is a pride of Lagos,” the monarch said.“My Love for tennis spurred me to search for good talents who we can sponsor the championship every year and this tournament is one for every member of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club to take part in.

     “This is the 9th  edition and is better than previous editions. I know by the 10th year,  it will be much better. We will keep improving every year.”

    The Oba Elegushi Tennis Tournament was concluded with the top teams rewarded with prizes at the 9th  edition.

    Participating teams were divided into team A to D and in the finals game, Team D defeated Team B in a keenly contested match-up that went  down to the wire.

    The champions claimed the top prize at the 2023 edition, after winning two singles and one doubles matches.

    The well-attended event also had politicians, government functionaries, business moguls, community leaders and executives of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club as well as members present at the finals.

    The tennis tournament, which is one of the events on the calendar of the premier club, was not only competitive but also promotes healthy rivalry among members.

    At the closing ceremony, the champions and losing finalists were presented with trophies, while all players received medals for their participation at this year’s competition.

  • NPFL Matchday 16 Review:

    NPFL Matchday 16 Review:

    • Heartland  end 2023 with magic win against Remo Stars

    Heartland FC produced their best performance of the season to beat Remo Stars 3-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri while Enyimba FC survived a late penalty kick scare in Yenagoa to record the only away win of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 16 games played yesterday.

    The Naze Millionaires started the game at the bottom of the table but  have  now moved to the 17th  spot with 16 points after goals from Promise Anyanwu, Onyekachi Okafor and Ikechukwu Chinedu handed the Owerri-based  side their biggest win of the season. Sikiru Alimi scored the Sky Blue Stars’ only goal for his 11th goal of the season.

    Despite the loss, Remo Stars are still atop the league table with 29 points and ahead of second placed Lobi Stars only on goals difference. The Pride of Benue pipped Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Lafia through Kumaga Suur’s 75th  minute strike.

    Meanwhile at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Enyimba bagged their second away win of the season following a 2-1 victory over Bayelsa United.

    Ekene Awazie put the reigning champions in the ascendancy in the 65th  minute but the Prosperity Boys equalised through Israel Consul six minutes later. Chijioke Mbaoma netted the winner from the penalty spot in the 81st  minute.

    Bayelsa United had a chance to equalise in the 85th minute after they were awarded a spot kick but Robert Mizo who could have drawn level with Alimi had he converted. Mizo missed the kick as the game ended 2-1. It is Bayelsa United’s third home loss of the season.

    Enyimba are fourth in the log with 26 points and still with a game at hand while Bayelsa United are at the bottom of the log with 14 points.

    Katsina United are now in the 11th  spot with 20 points after Chidera Eze’s 21st  minute penalty kick earned them the three points against Akwa United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina. The Promise Keepers are now 19th  with 15 points.

    Read Also: NPFL conducts maiden dope test in Lagos, Benin

    Abia Warriors thrashed Gombe United 3-1 in Umuahia to move to the eighth spot with 23 points while Enugu Rangers made it a memorable return to Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium after a 2-0 home win over Shooting Stars. Kalu Nweke and Chiedozie Okorie got the goals in the 27th and 90th minutes. The Flying Antelopes are ninth with 22 points.

    Kano Pillars came back from a goal down to beat Kwara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The Harmony Boys scored first through Emmanuel Ogbole in the 14th  minute before two late goals one in each half fetched them a home win. Sai Masu Gida are now sixth on the table with 25 points while the Harmony Boys are in the 12th  spot with 19 points.

    In Jos, Plateau United needed a late goal to beat Sporting Lagos. Albert Hilary rescued the Peace Boys for the umpteenth time with the winning strike in the 76th minute. Plateau United are fifth on the log with 25 points while Sporting Lagos are 15th with 17 points.

    At the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers United were held to a 1-1 draw by Bendel Insurance. Chisom Okereke put the visitors ahead in the 20th  minute before the Pride of Rivers’ skipper, Nyima Nwagua got the equaliser in the 38th  minute.

    Insurance are seventh with 24 points while Rivers United are 16th  with 16 points but from 11 games.

  • Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    Lokpobiri football tourney holds Jan 30

    The Heineken Lokpobiri football tournament will now hold on January 30 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, according to the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), coach Meinkeme Fekete.

    Earlier schedule for November, Fekete  said the tournament was pushed forward by circumstances beyond the control of the organisers.

    The tournament is aimed to fish out hiding talents in the 60 Bayelsa State villages.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Lokpobiri is a threat to APC’s chance, group tells Tinubu, Ganduje

    According to the LOC chairman, 25 players would be picked after the tournament to play two friendly matches against the Flying Eagles of Nigeria and the Cameroon U-20 team in Cameron to honour Nigeria former international, Jossy Donbraye, the first player to score a goal at Cameroon at the Ayije Stadium, Cameroon, where his statue was built.

    Fekete, who took Bayelsa United to win the Nigeria Premier League and reached the semi-final in CAF Cup, said the Lokpobiri tournament is the first of its kind in the state.

  • I recorded Jumoke in honour of my late friend, says Samm Henshaw

    I recorded Jumoke in honour of my late friend, says Samm Henshaw

    Samm Henshaw, a British-Nigerian vocalist and composer, has revealed how he created a tribute song entitled, ‘Jumoke’ to honour his departed friend.

     “I actually just made it because I was with my friends in the studio in 2019 before his passing,” he began. “We were celebrating a little win. Then, we started randomly making music and ended up being ‘Jumoke’. Steven always said to me that I should make Afrobeats. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2022 and I wasn’t able to play it for him. So yeah, we ended up putting it out in his honour.”

     Continuing, the 29-year-old soulful singer said, “So this is one way I believe I could honour him and be a blessing towards his children. With Jumoke, I just wanted to create a love song for a wedding while honouring my friend.”

    Read Also: HOW FELA’S SHRINE MADE ME LOSE EVERYTHING –DEDE MABIAKU

     Henshaw, a London native nurtured by parents of Nigerian descent, expressed his pride in being a Nigerian. “Might sound cliché but I truly admire all Nigerian musicians, I just love seeing Nigerians win. Makes me proud,” he said.

    The vocalist is already tantalizing his fans with the announcement of an upcoming album next year, as he vowed to unveil several musical ventures and embark on a tour.

    Henshaw said he’s open to collaborating with many Afrobeats artistes including Little Simz – she’s bomb and also Obongjayar, I think he’s wicked and the cherry on top is that we are both Calabar so that hits home even more for me.

  • Shina Akanni releases Anybody Can Dance

    Shina Akanni releases Anybody Can Dance

    Fuji Scorpido creator Aare Sir Shina Akanni has released a new album entitled ‘ABCD’ (Any Body Can Dance).

     The album is a follow up to his last effort  ‘KKK’ (Kodun Kopo Kope), which was released two years ago.

     ‘ABCD,’ according to Akanni, is a three track medley laced with the best of instrumentation, good lyrics. He also listed ‘Jiji’, ‘Mo pate’ and ‘Ololufe,’ as some of the tracks on the album.

    Read Also: Shina Akanni sends condolence to Pasuma

     He added that the album  recorded at an ultra modern studio in Ikeja was released and marketed by Exotic records.

     Speaking about the new album, Managing Director Exotic records, Olusegun Adegbesan said that the new album is vintage Shina Akanni with a different touch and it has been released on CD and other social media platforms.

  • Nigerian music promoter launches streaming platform

    Nigerian music promoter launches streaming platform

    Artist and music promoter, Kunle Major-Abikeyin, has launched a music streaming platform to promote and support upcoming musicians across Africa.

     Abikeyin said music lovers across the globe could now upload their songs, and music videos, using the Artiste and Lyrics streaming services.

     He said the Artiste and Lyrics streaming service was fashioned after the likes of Audiomack, Soundcloud and Boomplay video but aimed to support upcoming artists.

     Abikeyin, who spoke in an interview, said his focus was to use the streaming service to establish, assist and galvanise record creation for young musicians.

    Read Also: New era beckons for music youngsters as Pepsi in partnership with EMPIRE launch Music Academy

      He said, “We are ready to assist and galvanise record creation; specialising in several stunning genres including gospel and soul, delivering soul-stirring and inspirational tracks and any other genre of music with edifying lyrics.

     “Their works will focus on providing artists exposure and traction through free audio and video recording for talented but indigent musicians.

     “It is our hope to embark on annual music collaboration with both established and up–coming singers  which is designed to elaborate on artists’ backgrounds, the meaning behind their tracks, and new and upcoming records.”

  • Caddytunes to release ‘Make you mine’ on Jan 1

    Caddytunes to release ‘Make you mine’ on Jan 1

    Not resting on his oars, music sensation Babatunde Raji aka Caddytunes is set to stamp his authority again on Nigeria’s music industry and beyond with his new single entitled, Make you mine.

     Since his musical debut in 2006, the Nigerian-born UK-based singer, songwriter and record producer has continued to grow by leaps and bounds, stretching himself beyond barriers and breaking fallow grounds from national to international terrains.

    Read Also: Afropop singer Tynnie speaks on future of Afrobeats

     Caddytunes, whose music genre is Afropop and RnB, has shown meteoric rise over the years.

    His latest single — Make you mine, is woven with enchanting vocals. He skillfully picked up the thread, and showcased his lyrical prowess, unique flow, and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

     According to Caddytunes, his latest single is slated for release on Jan 1, 2024 on all streaming platforms and will be the latest addition to his music catalogue.

    He further disclosed that the music will be made available across all streaming platforms both locally and internationally so that listeners can enjoy.

    Like the never disappointing personality that he is, he has proven through his solo music efforts and also showed his fans a different side of his artistry, and most importantly, making quality music.

  • How EeZee Conceptz fared in 2023

    How EeZee Conceptz fared in 2023

    For EeZee Conceptz, 2023 has been nothing less than a year of breaking the status quo of the Nigerian Music industry. The Gospel Music label has not only broken the status quo but has also set new standards for the Nigerian Gospel Music Industry.

    Since its inception, the firm has always set out to win souls for Christ through music. The group cum label has created platforms for talented gospel music artists  in 2023

    The Gospel Groove Talent Quest (GGTQ) 2023 initiative, was put together to give a platform and visibility to young Nigerian gospel ministers. The initiative brought limelight to amazing gospel ministers such as Esther Olabisi, Love Abolade, Ibukun Adelegan, and Asaph Idonuagbe. GGTQ  succeeded in setting a clear record in the Nigerian Gospel Music Industry.

    Read Also: EeZee Conceptz releases visuals to Minister GUC’s Ikechi

    The Grand finale which was held at the Terra Kulture, Lagos saw the winner, Esther Olabisi, walk away with the top prize of a three-year recording deal, including a brand-new car, accommodation, and a cash prize. The very first in the history of the Gospel Music Industry.

    Recently, the Ezekiel Thankgod Onyedikachukwuwu aka EeZee Tee was awarded the Award of Music Executive of the Year by one of Africa’s finest gospel award organisations.

  • Spotify’s updates Afrobeats Journey to a Billion Streams

    Spotify’s updates Afrobeats Journey to a Billion Streams

    Early this year, Spotify dedicated a website to Afrobeats, celebrating its global impact and African roots.

     The website has now been updated as Afrobeats enthusiasts can now get details about the most streamed Afrobeats tracks, albums and artists in 2023.

     The new content is an addition to the available information already on the website about the genre’s beginnings, evolution, fusion of styles, cultural impact, and highlights of notable women who have played influential roles within the genre.

    Read Also: Olamide, most influential street pop artiste of his generation, says Spotify

     Afrobeats exponential growth and global acceptance are evident in its significant milestones. From Rema’s groundbreaking achievement of surpassing a billion streams on Spotify with his track “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez, Afrobeats artists being nominated for and winning the prestigious Grammy awards, to other Afrobeats artists headlining their shows at iconic venues both home and abroad; the music genre is taking its position as a leading and globally celebrated cultural export from Africa. 

     Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa says, “The tenacity, musical prowess and accomplishments of Afrobeats artists brings pride to the African continent and is worthy of celebration. Spotify is delighted to spotlight Afrobeats artists who are breaking boundaries as catalysts of growth for the Afrobeats genre.”

  • Fireboy, D’Banj, Kcee thrill at Warri Again Live in Lagos

    Fireboy, D’Banj, Kcee thrill at Warri Again Live in Lagos

    Twenty-one Nigerian entertainers stormed the Eko Convention Center venue of ‘Warri Again Live in Lagos’ during the yuletide.

     The Nigerian entertainers, who were led by Fireboy, Tiwa Savage, D’Banj, and Kcee, include 15 musicians, two DJs and four comedians.

     The event, a brainchild of Amaju Pinnick’s BrownHill Group, saw Fireboy belling the cat for the music artist at the event. Kcee’s performance was next before Dbanj aka the Kokomaster further set the show on a high course with his razzmatazz.

    Read Also: Nigerian music is perfect but unstructured – Fireboy DML 

     Also delighting attendees were Fave, Ena, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Spyro, Young John, Odumodublvck, Wande Coal, Flavour, Pheelz and Shalipoppi, who performed last.

     Also supporting the music artists were DJ Dimple Nipple, DJ Consequence, popular comedians like MC Edopikin, Destalker, Mr Paul, and Short Family.