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Tag: Dallas

  • African film makers storm Dallas for TAFF 2019

    Notable African film makers are expected to storm the city of Dallas, Texas, in the United States from June 27, as this year’s edition of the prestigious The African Film Festival,TAFF, opens.

    Founder of African Movies Academy Award (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe alongside Kenyan Hollywood star, Benjamin Onyango, who played a key role in “Tears of the Sun” with Bruce Willis will be honoured during the festival which ends on June 30. While Peace will be honoured with African Film Pioneer Award at the ceremony, Benjamin Onyango will smile home with African Film Legend Award.

    In a statement released during the week, the festival director cum founder of The African Film Festival, Mr. Kelechi Eke, said that the award will be given to Peace Anyiam-Osigwe in recognition of her immeasurable contribution towards the development of the African film sector. It’s on record that Peace established AMAA as a vertiable platform to celebrate the continent’s film makers and stars.

    Kelechi disclosed that the festival will climax on June 30 with an awards night. The opening, according to him, will witness a marathon of short films from across the continent. Expected at the festival is the Nollywood Travel Film Festival which will collaborate with the organizers at the African Film Symposium scheduled to hold at the Dallas City Hall on June 28.

    Screening of feature films will continue on June 28 and June 29 at the African American Museum, Dallas before the TAFF Awards ceremony on June 30, which will be hosted by Nollywood legend, Patience Ozokwo a,k,a Mama G.

    Expected at this year’s festival are Hon. Astrid Madiya Ntumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Arts & Culture, Robert Peters, Nigerian Atlanta-based film director and Nevada Neville, Nigerian Atlanta-based producer. Others are Uche Jombo, Stella Damasus,  Ghanaian Producer, Charles Billion, Emem Isong, Billy Richardson, Stella Damasus, Cameroonian Actress/ Producer, Tiana Bibish, Congolese Actress/ Producer, Soleil Marie Diva, and founder of Nollywood Travel Film Festival, Mykel Ajaere Parish.

    According to Kelechi, TAFF will be introducing “Founder’s Best Story” also known as “Kelechi Eke Award” which would be based on the most compelling African story at the festival; and “ROOTFLIX Viewers Choice Award” which is the most film desired by views on our online streaming platform, ROOTFLIX.COM. The three-day event will showcase films made by Africans, as well as a few made by non-Africans about issues important to different regions of the continent.

  • AFRIMA 2017: Here is the list of winners

    AFRIMA 2017: Here is the list of winners

    The Africa Music Awards & Music Festival (AFRIMA) for 2017 was held recently in Dallas, Texas. with various artistes going home as winners:

    Below is the list of winners at the event:

     

    Best Male West Africa – Falz (Nigeria)

    Best Female West Africa – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

    Best Male East Africa – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

    Best Female East Africa – Victoria Kimani (Kenya)

    Best Male Central Africa – C4 Pedro (Angola)

    Best Female Central Africa – Nsoki (Angola)

    Best Male Southern Africa– Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

    Best Female Southern Africa – Babes Wodumo (South Africa)

    Best Male North Africa– Amr Diab (Egypt)

    Best Female North Africa – Amani Swissi (Tunisia)

    Best Newcomer –Nsoki (Angola)

    Artist of The Year – Davido (Nigeria)

    Best DJ Africa – Dj Spinall (Nigeria)

    Best African Dj USA – Dj Tunez  (Nigeria)

    Best Rap Act  –Sarkodie (Ghana)

    Dancehall Act of The Year  – Timaya (Nigeria)

    Video of The Year -Fally Ipupa – Eloko Iyo Congo

    Music Producer of The Year – Julz (Ghana)

    Best Video Director – Daps (Nigeria)

    Best African Dancer – Ghetto Triplets Kids (Uganda)

    Song of The Year – Davido – IF (Nigeria)

    Best Lusophone – C4 Pedro (Angola)

    Best Francophone – Fally Ipupa  (Congo)

    Best Sound Engineer –Sheyman (Nigeria)

    Best Collaboration –Wizkid  ft Chris Brown – African Bad Girl (Nigeria & USA)

    Transformational Leadership Award –Engineer Noah Dallaji

    Crossing Boundaries with Music Award –  C4 Pedro (Angola)

    Best Gospel Artist –Nathaniel Bassey (Nigeria)

  • African Drums Festival commences in Abeokuta

    The African Drums Festival commenced in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Thursday with more than 20 cultural troupes from about 13 countries from the continent in attendance.

    The festival, which is an expanded form of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Drums Festival held in Abeokuta in 2016, also drew participants from Haiti and observers from Dallas in the United States.

    The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his remarks described the festival as “a development worthy of emulation by other states.’’

    He noted that such festival would further invigorate the strides of the government in tourism investment and development.

    “The Muhammadu Buhari -led administration is determined to pursue with relentless vigour the diversification of our present mono reliance on an oil economy to massive investment in non-oil sectors   like agriculture, solid minerals and tourism.” he said.

    Mohammed, who was represented by the Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Mr Tar Ukor, noted that such festivals would promote pan-African unity and increased inter – African economic trade as well as enhanced local value chain benefits.

    “This festival will also promote inter-African leisure travel and the renaissance of our African cultural milestones in contributing toward  civilisation.

    “It will engender cultural reawakening in Africa on shared values and fraternal solidarity within the region,’’ he said.

    Gov. Ibikunle Amosun said the festival was a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ogun and to also stamp Nigeria on the world map.

    He gave an assurance that the state would continue to explore different aspects of the Nigerian culture with a view to promoting and preserving them.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged states to focus on other aspects of the Nigerian culture with a view to propagating them.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, noted that drums occupy an important place in   Yoruba culture.

    “Drums are used to wake Yoruba monarchs early in the morning reminding them of their oaths to adjudicate among their subjects without fear or favour.

    “Drums are important tools that accompany monarchs and warriors to the warfront and act as source from which they draw encouragement and courage as well as indicate to them when to withdraw or advance into battle.

    “Drums are also used to announce the deaths of some important personalities in Yorubaland,” he said.

    Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said rhythms from drums “are enchanting.’’

    He described as erroneous the belief that culture involves some demonic and satanic practices.

    Soyinka, who commended the Ogun government for the initiative, noted that many great things in Nigeria began from Ogun.

     

  • DAY AFRICAN ARTISTES SHUT DOWN DALLAS FOR AFRIMMA

    DAY AFRICAN ARTISTES SHUT DOWN DALLAS FOR AFRIMMA

    SATURDAY, October 10 witnessed another inventory of African musical journey, with the Diasporan African Music Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA, holding sway at the historic Black Academy of Arts and Letters in Dallas, Texas, United States.

    The Cowboy City had hosted Africa to one of the few celebrity events that make the annual calendar in Texas, and veteran South African artiste, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who did more than thrill audience with her classics at the awards show, appreciated the fact.

    “Thank you AFRIMMA for bringing Africa to America,” she said.

    There is no gainsaying that in just two years, AFRIMMA has become another rallying point for African artistes, artiste managers, label owners and fans of African music from around the world, who converge on the Dallas-Forth Worth metropolis.

    From the Westin to Sheraton and the popular Wyndham Dallas Suites and other hotels where guests were housed in the Central Park area, it was an invasion by the glitz of Africa and its stars. The scenario took a notch higher as the celebrities were conveyed in head-turning Limousines to the event venue where the ovation became loudest.

    The red carpet was a sight to behold. And as one artiste performed after another, the crowd went into frenzy, setting the mood for the awards proper. Yet, at intervals, the thrill of musical performances, great choreography and comedy continued.

    Adding verve to the show was co-hosts, Nigeria’s Basketmouth and Uganda’s comedy queen, Anne Kansiime.

    From Dallas-based Nigerian acts, Las Gidi and Big A Entertainment signee, Teddy A to Senegalese Carlou D who mesmerized the audience with his vocal strength and traditional flavoured hip-hop tune, to the incredible performances by Yemi Alade, AKA, Kcee, Bracket and evergreen songstress, Yvonne Chaka Chaka who, after presenting the Legendary Award to Youssou Ndour, who was unavoidably absent, started off with her new song, a tribute to the legendary Nelson Mandela, it was full all the way. Notably, Chaka Chaka who was AFRIMMA 2014 Legendary Award winner brought down the roof with her classic song, Umqombothi, Mr. DJ among others.

    Sliding into the business of the evening, the night was so much in favour of Diamond Platnumz, having won Best Male East Africa, AFRIMMA Video of The Year, and African Artist of the Year.

    Winners also include Bracket for Alive – AFRIMMA Inspirational Song ft Diamond Platinum; Yemi Alade -Best Female West Africa; Vanessa Mdee -Best Female East Africa; Mani Bella-Best Female Central Africa; Kiss Daniel-Best Newcomer; Davido-Best Male West Africa; AKA -Best Male Southern Africa; Yuri da Cunha-Best Male Central Africa; Jidenna-Crossing Boundaries With Music Award; Wizkid’s Ojuelegba-Song of The Year and Icha Chavons-Best Gospel Artist.

    Others are Best Dancehall Artist  Patoranking Stonebwoy; Best Dance In A Video  Serge Beynaud  Okeninkpin; Best Collaboration  Aka ft Burnaboy, DaL.E.S and JR  All Eyes On Me; Legendary Award  Youssou Ndour; Best Traditional Act  Flavour; Best dancehall Artist  Stonebwoy; Best Dance In A Video  Serge Beynaud Okeninkpin; AFRIMMA Humanitarian Artist  2face Idibia; Best Dance Group  Sauti Sol; and Best Dance Group  D3 dancers.

    There would be so much to remember AFRIMMA 2015 for: these include the Friday night welcome party at Club Villa, the AFRIMMA After Party and the Sunday night Comedy Show with Basketmouth, Anne Kansiime, Buchi, Yaw among others.

  • Nigerian artistes dominate AFRIMMA nominee list

    Nigerian artistes dominate AFRIMMA nominee list

    Just after their haul of awards at the recent MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) which held last Saturday, Nigerian artistes again may repeat that feat as they dominate the nominee list of the African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA.

    The annual event, which is in its second edition, celebrates African music and heritage and will honour some top African musicians, producers and cultural influencers with awards in 28 different categories. It is scheduled to hold on October 10, at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Dallas, US.

    The awards segmented the artistes across different regions; West, East, Central, North and Southern Africa.

    In the West Africa category, Davido, Wizkid, Flavour and Olamide, are in competition with Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast), Sarkodie (Ghana), Carlou D (Senegal) and Stonebwoy (Ghana) for the Best Male West Africa category while Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage will slog it out with Wiyaala (Ghana), Viviane Chidid (Senegal), Teeyah (Ivory Coast), Becca (Ghana), Almok (Togo) and Efya (Ghana) for the Best Female West Africa award.

    Also nominated for 2015 AFRIMMA are Wizkid for Ojuelegba, Korede Bello for Godwin and Lil Kesh ft Olamide and Davido for Shoki (Song of the Year), Flavour, Davido, Wizkid and Yemi Alade (Artiste of the Year), P-Square (Best African Group), Wale, Nneka, Asa, Jidenna and Tinnie Tempah (Crossing Boundaries with Music Award), Timaya and Patoranking (Best Dancehall Artiste), Lil Kesh ft Olamide and Davido for Shoki, Olamide for Shakiti Bobo (Best Dance in a Video), Sammy Okposo, Nikki Laoye and Uche Agu (Best Gospel Artiste), Flavour (Best Traditional Artiste) and Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and Lil Kesh (Best Newcomer).

    Nigerian artistes for the special AFRIMMA categories also include Bracket ft. Diamond and Tiwa Savage for Alive, P Square ft Dave Scott for Bring it On (AFRIMMA Inspirational Song) and Sound Sultan and 2Face (AFRIMMA Humanitarian Artiste).

  • Six pupils chase ICT title in Dallas

    Six pupils chase ICT title in Dallas

    There were upsets at this year’s national finals of the Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Competition with new schools challenging the dominance of long-standing champion, Thomas Adewumi International College, Oko, Kwara State.

    The Certiport MOS World Championship is organised to encourage students to be proficient in the use of Microsoft office suite, namely Word, Excel and PowerPoint (2010 and 2013 versions), which are used by most business concerns worldwide.  They earn certificates that can be used for work.

    This year, Adewumi International College, which has claimed the most titles since ReadManna Ventures Limited started organising the competition in Nigeria in 2009, as well as earliest rival, Regent International School, Abuja, were surprised by new comers such as Aduvie International School, Abuja, British International School, Lagos, Bellina College, Akoka, and Holy Child College, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Both schools did not win the top slot in any of the six categories, which would have qualified their representatives for the world championship holding in Dallas, United States in August.

    Those that will represent Nigeria on the world stage include: Elizabeth Ochanya, Aduvie International School (PowerPoint 2013; 985/1000); Bendre Sidhant, British International School (PowerPoint 2010; 979/1000); and Clever Nabai, Aduvie International School (Word 2013; 963/1000).

    Others are: Adebusola Babington, Holy Child College (Word 2010; 954/1000); Oluwatinuke Griffin, Bellina College, Akoka (Excel 2013, 868/1000); and Abure Atafo, The Childville School, Ogudu, Lagos (Excel 2010; 925/1000).

    Their flights, and those of two accompanying teachers, would be sponsored by the Delta Airlines.

    Mrs Edna Agusto, CEO, Readmanna said the stakes have become higher as more schools join in the race.  She gave credit to ICT teachers who were committed to innovative learning of the subject as well as principals and school owners who provided resources to support them.

    “One thing I have to say about this competition is that it depends on the commitment of the computer teachers.  They are the ones actually pushing it,” she said.

    Mrs Agusto also said she was particularly happy that no school dominated the top spot for each of the categories and urged participating schools to work harder for the next edition.

    To excel in Dallas, like happened last year when Olubunmi Agusto of Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, came second in Microsoft PowerPoint (2007 version) in California, Mrs Agusto, said the six pupils would be groomed before departure.

    “We have entered a partnership with Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi.  They would host us for some days so we can put together the team.  It will allow us to prepare them appropriately and get experts to touch them up,” she said.

    The pupils will be accompanied by two teachers, Mr Timothy Osaigbovo of Aduvie International School, Abuja, which recorded the highest score in the competition, and Mrs Cynthia Ebelebe of Holy Child College, whose school had the highest number of pupil participation.

    Mrs Ebelebe, who was ecstatic about the trip, said she was inspired by the quest to make her pupils better.

    “The first thing is the quest to see how I can improve my students.  Then Readmanna also came to our school to advertise for the 2015 championship. The girls worked hard.  That I can say.  Because I have somebody in JSS3, who is doing the BECE; and I have somebody in SS3.  They are also here.  So they combined this particular training with reading their books,” she said.

    The top three winners in each of the six categories would be rewarded with Microsoft XBOX One games at a national awards ceremony to hold later this year.

  • Delta Airlines to fly to San Antonio, Dallas

    Delta Air Lines will launch twice-daily non-stop service from Los Angeles to San Antonio, Texas, from April 7, next year.

    The San Antonio service complements Delta’s daily service from Los Angeles to Dallas, which launches November 3, 2015 and the addition of a third daily flight between Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, beginning November 2,  2015.

    All flights are operated by Delta Connection carrier Compass Airlines.

    With the addition of San Antonio and Dallas service, Delta customers will have access to nine daily departures to three destinations between Los Angeles and Texas.

    For Texas customers, the new service also will provide more options when connecting to destinations in Delta’s trans-Pacific portfolio from Los Angeles. This includes service to Tokyo-Haneda; Tokyo-Narita and Sydney, as well as partner-operated service to Brisbane, Australia; Guangzhou, China; Shanghai; and Taipei.

    “For more than a year, we have grown our Los Angeles network into one of the largest operations at LAX and given our customers — particularly those in the entertainment, production, automotive and growing tech startup communities — nonstop options to destinations throughout the US,” said Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s staff vice president, Global Sales, West Region. “The addition of Dallas and San Antonio marks the next big intra-West milestone for Los Angeles as we continue building this key market and West Coast network for our customers.”