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Tag: Majek Fashek

  • Majek Fashek slams Daddy Freeze

    Majek Fashek slams Daddy Freeze

    Reggae musician, Majek Fashek has called out controversial On Air Personality (OAP), Ifedayo Olarinde a.k.a Daddy Freeze for his strong disapproval of his recent performance at a church concert in Abuja.

    Majek the ‘Rainmaker’, who before now had not performed at faith based events, did on Sunday December 17, at the Common wealth Of Zion Assembly ( COZA ) Christmas Carol in Guzape, Abuja.

    Freeze, who also recently condemned the practice of ‘Tithing’ in churches said it made no sense for a secular artiste like Majek to perform in such gathering as Christian altars are supposed to be sacred.

    However, Majek Fashek’s manager, Uzoma Omenka, in a video on Instagram, rebuked Freeze saying that nothing was wrong with a secular artiste performing in church.

    “There is nothing wrong with a world class legend Majek Fashek whose music sends the right message to be invited to perform in any church.

    “To Daddy Freeze, you need to do your research properly before wagging your mouth and speaking like a Kid,” he said.
    “@biodunfatoyinbo thank you once more for impacting positively into the lives of Young Nigerians and making them believe in themselves.”

    Freeze had taken to his Instagram to condemn the rainmaker crooner over the concert saying: “I am still searching for the sense in this. I am a huge Majek fan, but do I want to see him perform in a church.

    Read also: Daddy Freeze: Paying tithe is matter of love not law – FEB Idahosa

    “How did we get here? Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought Christian altars are supposed to be sacrosanct…..

    “Have you ever seen an artiste like Majek perform in a Buddhist or Hindu temple?

    “Can Majek perform inside the `Okija’ shrine? or the `soppona’ or `ayelala’ shrine?

    “If other religions value their altars and keep them sacred, is it out of place to suggest we do the same?”

    NAN

  • I NEVER USED COCAINE, SAYS MAJEK FASHEK …ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

    LEGENDARY reggae musician, Majekodunmi Fasheke, aka Majek Fashek is set to mark 30 years of doing music with a concert and a new album.

    Addressing the media on Thursday, in Lagos, the singer revealed that the concert, which will feature some of Nigeria’s finest entertainers, as well as global showbiz figures, will hold on September 10, 2017, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

    Speaking further, he said the new album, ‘Weep Not Children’, is his way of helping to bring the country out of economic recession.

    “We are coming up with a new sound. The new sound is to help Nigeria come out of recession. We are suffering, but Nigeria is the one that named me rainmaker. I’m a good magician. So I’m going to do my magic so that the recession can end in Jesus name.

    “I’m coming up with a new album titled ‘Weep Not Children’. I wrote it because our children are weeping. And children are the future of every country, every community and every family. Children must be given attention. We are in recession because the children are weeping. The Nigerian government does not care about the younger generation, and if we have to get out of recession, we have to appease the children,” he said.

    Speaking on his 25 years stay in the United States, Fashek noted that his name was ‘bastardised’ while he was living there.

    “I spent 25 years in the United States and instead of them to promote me when I was living there; they said that I was on drugs. I never used cocaine, I never used drugs. I was just sick for a while. I had to come home because charity begins at home. Nigeria made me before America made me. So I’m grateful to the Nigerian press.”

    Also speaking, his manager, Omenka Uzoma Day, said that the album took over two and half years to put together.

    “The album has eight tracks and he featured only one artiste, Tubaba in ‘Holy Spirit’ remix. He also dedicated a track ‘Akugbe’, to the Oba of Benin. Akugbe is an Edo word for unity. After this, we will be doing tours in the universities, we will be doing shows for the grassroots, visiting motherless babies’ homes and the prisons,” he said.

  • MAJEK FASHEK, OTHERS CELEBRATE ‘LOVE LAGOS’ AT NOTTING HILL

    MAJEK FASHEK, OTHERS CELEBRATE ‘LOVE LAGOS’ AT NOTTING HILL

    IT was a home-affair as many Nigerian celebrities and media personalities came out in full-force to attend the 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Corner at the Notting Hill Carnival dubbed the #LagosCorner.

    The event which was supported by the Lagos State government was hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka alongside Dj Abass, Shope Olajide, Wale Gates and Mc Momelo, celebrated the Love Lagos Weekend in London.

    Leading Lagos State delegation was the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Steve Ayorinde. And thrilling the audience were musicians such as Majek Fashek, May7ven, Shiikane, Ade Swagz, Ceeboy, Jayvic, Koker and others while DJs Whateva, Tony Tee and Neptune playing Nigerian music to the delight of the crowd.

    Among celebrities spotted at the VIP section were Yeni Kuti, Maleek Berry, Femi Amusan, Tayo Sobola, Yaw, Mc Abbey, Seyi Brown, Toya Washington, Sammy Okposo, Drew Uyi, Mofe Duncan, BULU, Niki Laoye, Kayode Peters, Timi Adegbite, Ayo Shonaiya and others.

  • MAJEK FASHEK resurrects with ‘No More Sorrow’

    MAJEK FASHEK resurrects with ‘No More Sorrow’

    NIGERIAN reggae legend, Majek Fashek, who recently left rehab after being treated for drug addiction, has resurrected on the music scene with a single titled, No More Sorrow, featuring 2baba.

    No More Sorrow is another version of Holy Spirit from the 1991 Spirit of Love album. It’s a soul-lifting song that preaches hope, love and divine intervention. With the Rain Maker strategically featuring 2baba, the song evokes a feeling of two greats spanning two generations. And for 2Baba, the latest effort reminisces of how his vocal and lyrics sync just as he did with the Victor Olaiya’s Baby Jowo remix.

    “It’s an honour to collaborate with one of Africa’s greatest musicians of all time,” said 2Baba of collaborating with Majek.

    “To go from admiring him from a distance to actually having the opportunity to record with him and contribute to his legacy is something I cherish.”

    2baba also said that he wasn’t fit yet for the cap of a legend.

    “It’s always a very heavy responsibility, and sometimes, I get scared of being addressed as a legend. I’m still trying to get there, but they already address me as one. It’s nice though.”

    In the 80s, Majek, a multi-instrumentalist, song writer, producer and gifted stage performer, earned mega-star status, especially with his hit song, Send Down The Rain.

    He was married to Rita Fashek and they had four children together, but have since divorced. In 2015, it was revealed that Fashek was bankrupt and battling drug addiction. And he was admitted into a drug rehabilitation centre in Abuja where he recovered.

  • Majek Fashek parts ways with Ayiri

    Majek Fashek parts ways with Ayiri

    Millionaire oil baron Ayiri Emami has disclosed why Reggae musician Majek Fashek who he helped rehabilitate and whom he sheltered in Warri left him.

    Ayiri spoke to The Punch newspaper, saying that the ‘Send Down The Rain’ crooner was under strict instructions from doctors to relax but decided to go against the orders.

    “Majek Fashek is not under my care,” Ayiri said.

    “When he left the rehabilitation home in Abuja, the doctors said that he needed to relax.

    “They said he should stay off the music scene for some time. I wanted him to stay in Warri and relax. I provided everything that he needed to be comfortable. But he insisted on going back to music almost immediately. He kept insisting and, after a while, I had to let him go. That was it.”

    Ayiri also said Majek wanted to join his 911 entertainment label but he, Ayiri, was against it.

    “I didn’t want other people to think that I did him a favour because I wanted him to sign on to the label,” Ayiri said.

    “Instead, I told him that I could get him a good manager that would take care of him and his career, get him a car and every other thing. I travelled and by the time I returned one evening, Majek was already in Lagos.”

    But in his response, Majek offered a different explanation.

    “It is not like that. I am an American-trained musician. When I was in America, I studied music and music business.

    So I am not in the same level as the average Nigerian musician. I am an international musician. Emami wanted to place me on the same level as Nigerian musicians and to control my music business. So I decided to move.”…. no time na.”

    Majek recently reunited with some of his family members in Benin and shared a testimony of how CLAM Senior Pastor, Apostle Wole Oladiyun rescued him.

  • Majek Fashek relives drug ordeal

    Majek Fashek relives drug ordeal

    How can the Federal Government be of help to the mentally challenged? It is by funding researches in mental health and supporting the treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally challenged, says popular musician Majek Fashek.

    Fashek said he got help to overcome drug addiction through a psychiatrist, Dr Vincent Udenze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Synapse Services.

    At the 46th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorim, Fashek said he was treated outside the country.

    While abroad, he said, there were no mentally-challenged persons roaming the streets, adding: “The difference is clear. The government of that country took the mental wellness of its citizens seriously.”

    He went on: “It has been found out that geniuses often fall ill, especially with mental illness. Government should not abandon its citizens in that situation. The good way is to also fund mental health research and treatment.”

    Some psychiatrists, spoke in the same vein, saying those mentally  challenged can be professionally managed, rehabilitated and integrated into the society.

    The theme of the AGM/Conference was: “Mental Health as a driver of positive change”.

    Sub themes were: “Mental Health challenges of internally displaced persons, Mental Health and political transitions in Africa, and the Impact of MHGAP in primary mental health: the journey so far.”

    Keynote speaker Prof Ayo Ibidapo-Obe called for reevaluation of the country’s system, “starting with the process of election.” He added: “It is mind boggling why people loot treasury or even carry out corrupt practices, which leave no one better, including the perpetrator. I will suggest there is a law in place to examine the mental health of each potential candidate vying for any political position in the country.”

    APN President Prof Joseph Adeyemi said his colleagues were ready to manage the consequences of any change as they unfold in the country.

    “Government policies, legislations, priorities and practices determine quality of life of citizens. Whether positive or negative, the nature of governance will have consequences for the emotional well being of the populace based on their vulnerabilities and predispositions. Evidence based best practice solutions will be proffered to guide citizens, relevant professionals, interest groups and governments by our panel of experts to manage the consequences of change as they unfold,” he said.

    Acting Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Richard Adebayo, said though there are professional psychiatrists in the country, “unfortunately, we don’t have a workable and realistic policy direction, no mental health bill to guide us and protect the rights of our patients.”

    “It is imperative to deliberate on the vital issues that will promote the very change we desire and enlighten our policy makers that mental health is very crucial in our collective drive towards the positive change,”he said.

  • MAJEK FASHEK: I’M WORKING ON AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF INSPIRATION

    MAJEK FASHEK: I’M WORKING ON AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF INSPIRATION

    Rainmaker, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly called Majek Fashek, speaks to JANE KOLADE about his recent stint at rehab, his experiences, beliefs, and hopes for the future. Excerpts:

    WELCOME back from rehab. What was the experience like?

    I am happy to be among the living. I have a song titled, A Living Dog is Better than a Dead Lion. It captures how I feel. I give thanks to the Most High for where I am today.

    Where did you grow up?

    I grew up in Benin and Lagos.

    How long did you spend in rehab?

    It’s not just rehab, but alcohol detox as well. I spent two months. I went in August, and got out in October.

    So, how many times have you been to rehab, before this last stint?

    Before now, I had been to rehab three times in the United States.

    How is this one different from others you have been?

    For me, it was an opportunity to dry out.

    It has been said that recovering addicts return from rehab dry, but, somehow, after a month or a year they go back to their old habit. How do you plan to remain clean going forward?

    I have been vilified. I have heard people say all sorts of things about me, but I need people to understand that stress can make anyone do anything.  It is true that I have an addiction, but I trust that I will be fine.

    What are things you are addicted to?

    I was addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, and weed sometimes.

    Do you think that you have been misunderstood by the press?

    No, the press has been very kind to me. For instance, the name ‘Rainmaker’ was given to me by the press. Back in the eighties and nineties, they were very clean, and did not take bribes. The likes of Akinpelu, and Faj, those were the true pressmen.

    Did you have a manager in your playing days?

    Yes, I did. I had international management.

    At present, are you writing songs, do you think you want to do music?

    Yes, I still do.

    What is your normal day like?

    I play music, and write songs.

    Are you doing anything in the line of having a show, or recording an album?

    I still hope to. That is why I am here. I am also concerned about the copyright question because it ensures that musicians can live off the rewards of their craft, helping them to be proud of their work.

    For instance, I still get monthly cheques from movie producers who use my songs in the US. I am connected to COSON because I believe in what they are doing.  Nigerians should rally round to support COSON, because of the good job they are doing. For instance, Michael Jackson is gone but people continue to use his works, and pay what is due to his heirs.

    Many people who knew you as an up and coming act can testify to the fact that you neither smoked nor drank. At what point did you start indulging in these vices?

    It is part of the lifestyle of a performing musician. You must be high.  But now, I am working on an alternative form of inspiration. And I am not the only one. In many genres of music, from reggae to rock – one needs to be high to play some rock songs.

    Do you agree that musicians need to be under the influence of some substance to perform?

    For certain genres of music, you must be high, like highlife, rock music, reggae. For a man like Bob Marley to maintain the level must not have been easy. But I have calmed down, and will find a way.

    As a songwriter and singer, how do you think you will be able to compose or perform without using substances?

    Now I am cold, very cold. I will try to do music without using drugs.

    Are you working on anything at the moment?

    Yes, I am. It is called The Gangster Raga. It will be copyrighted of course. My last effort was frustrated by a lady; I will not mention her name. She took advantage of the fact that we both have mothers from the same state to take advantage of me, pirating my work in the process. I give kudos to Chief Ayiri Emami who has been helping out.

    Does your transaction with this unnamed person mean that you can’t sign up with anyone else?

    Not at all.  I don’t want to go to court, and would rather she peacefully return my stuff.

    Where is the rest of your family?

    They are based in America.

    Are you still married?

    Yes, although my wife broke my heart.

    So you are now a grandfather?

    Yes.

    How many kids do you have?

    Three; they are all based in the US.

    When was the last time you spoke to them?

    We talk all the time.

    If a young artiste who is just starting out asks you for advice, what would you say to him?

    I would urge him to pursue a career in music, discover his original God-given talent; usually parents are the ones to do this. You have to be determined, and finally learn to play at least one instrument. You have to have inspiration and courage to be a musician. And you have to be called to be a musician.

    For instance, in my case it was my mother who discovered my talent. My mum was a local singer, and she helped get my first guitar by asking an uncle of mine to get me a guitar as a gift when he travelled to London. And he did.

    Why do singers need to learn an instrument?

    It will help in producing their music, and also give them longevity in the industry. It is important to realise there is a difference between being a musician, and being an artiste.

    What would you advise the artiste to stay away from?

    If you want to go far in music, as an upcoming act, don’t womanise.  Stay away from hard drugs and too much alcohol.

    A lot of people prayed for you while you were away. Do you have any message for them?

    It is one thing to go into rehab and another to come out. The doctors gave me first class treatment, but God healed me, and I give him the credit. Only God and the Lord Jesus Christ can deliver. The good thing about rehab for me is that it helped to right my image.

  • MAJEK FASHEK:I’m happy TO BE AMONG the living

    MAJEK FASHEK:I’m happy TO BE AMONG the living

    AFTER a two months stay at an Abuja based rehabilitation center, legendary music act, Majekodunmi Fasheke, aka Majek Fashek is out and about. The Rainmaker, as he is popularly called, is overjoyed to be out.

    Speaking to The Nation, he said; “I am happy, and give God thanks to be among the living today”. He admits that he was committed for alcohol, and drug abuse, and addiction which were fuelled by frustration.

    Looking healthy and well rested, and sounding extremely lucid; with a clear grasp of the goings-on in his environment, and the Nigerian, and international entertainment scene, Majek credits his doctors, and caregivers with giving him good treatment, but gives God all the glory for his healing.

    The singer/songwriter also took time to express his heartfelt appreciation to all Nigerians, friends, well-wishers, and most especially Chief Ayiri Emami the billionaire oil magnate, and 911 Entertainment boss, who funded his stay at the facility.

    The veteran reggae crooner confessed that drinking and smoking is part and parcel of the lifestyle of the entertainment business world over: “From rock music, to highlife, to reggae, it is the same story. Quite often, many entertainers feel that they need to be high on drugs in order to perform”, however he stated that he has had to create other habits to inspire him to perform without any form of drugs,” he stated.

    Majek has had three previous stints at rehab in the US.

  • MAJEK FASHEK thrills at O’jez new outlet

    MAJEK FASHEK thrills at O’jez new outlet

    REGGAE maestro, Majek Fashek, recently held fun lovers spellbound when he graced the grand opening of a new outlet of Ojez in Ikeja, Lagos.

    What was meant to be just an opening of a celebrity restaurant, however, dovetailed into a full-blown concert when the king of reggae in Nigeria, popularly known as the ‘Rain Maker’, came in and took over the entire show.

    Majek, in the company of the factional president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, (PMAN), Alhaja Aminat Oluwaremilekun Dangaji, came midway into the event, amid cheers from the large crowd at the new O’jez celebrity restaurant inside the Ikeja Club premises, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The glamorous event was attended by a galaxy of stars, including Nollywood veteran actor, Zack Orji, and his actress wife, Ngozi; Ejike Asiegbu; Leo Mezie; Okey Bakassi; Victor Osiagwu and Charles Inojie, among others.

    Following the cutting of the ribbon by the President of Ikeja Club, Engr. (Otunba) Olaofe Oluwanishola, to declare the outlet open, Inojie, the compere, introduced Majek Fashek, whose presence had caused a stir.

    Although he initially said that he was not in the mood to perform, the audience goaded him to entertain them. He then took over the piano and did a solo rendition of one of his hits. The hall really came alive when he sang his popular hit track, Send Down the Rain.

    Thereafter, Elder O took over, holding everyone hostage with hilarious jokes for several minutes.

    Okey Bakassi, in his brief remark, described the owner of O’jez as someone who is into “entertainment movement, not entertainment business because this man is a rare Nigerian with a heart of gold and a burning desire to see to the forward movement of the entertainment industry. That is why despite today being Saturday, a day most busy artistes in Nigeria would be out making money, you still find most of us here (we had to cancel some engagements) to honour him. I pray God will keep him for us in the entertainment sector.”

    The actor and stand-up comedian further said that the presence of O’jez in Ikeja would create a boom in business activities in the area, adding that Chief Joseph Odebeatu takes with him the aura of success wherever he goes.

    “Before O’jez opened at the National Stadium, it used to be a den of armed robbers, but he braced the odds and today, he had brought a new lease of life into the stadium,” he added.

    The new O’jez outlet is an upgraded version of its parent restaurant inside the National Stadium premises, Surulere and Opebi Link Road, Opebi, Lagos.

    In a statement signed by his media company, Media Image Managers (MIM), Odobeatu said, “We always try to outdo ourselves when we open new outlets, while we upgrade old ones to meet the present-day standards. O’jez, Ikeja is the new thing in celebrity restaurant in Lagos and Nigeria. A visit will convince you about what I am saying.

    “O’jez celebrity restaurant is opened for all classes of people. Celebrities just find us very convenient and affordable, aside the added value services we provide. The only place you can get good food to eat, enjoy live comedy and music as added value all at a price that won’t kill you, in Nigeria, is at O’jez.”

  • Nigerian musicians who stood for Mandela’s struggle

    Nigerian musicians who stood for Mandela’s struggle

    IT has been said that while Nelson Mandela was not visible to many during his incarceration, music was what kept the consciousness going. Songs of protest and eulogy of the former South African leader remained one of the evidences of support for the freedom fighter which he saw after his release. Nigeria’s support, as the acclaimed giant of Africa, traversed political rallies and solidarity statements, but was also hinged on emotional-driven musical appeals.

    Among the notable heroes of what could be termed the musical activists were the likes of Majek Fashek, Sonny Okosun, Onyeka Onwenu and The Mandators.

    Thus, penultimate Thursday, when, African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, announced the demise of Mandela, the world was thrown into mourning. But in celebrating his achievements in life, music filled the air; most of the songs were reminiscent of the anti-apartheid era.

    While Apartheid might have gone, the dark days of the policy and the struggle which came with it will never be forgotten; so are the contributions of Nigeria and its artistry.

    In a review of the 10 essential works that celebrate the late Nelson Mandela and his efforts at fighting Apartheid, Los Angeles Times lists Sonny Okosun’s 1978 song, Fire in Soweto. The song which has an upbeat tempo with reggae instrumentation opens with the lines, “Fire in Soweto are burning all the people. Fire in Angola are burning all the people. Riot in Mozambique, affecting all the people. Fighting in Namibia crushing all the people.”

    The late musician also brought his highlife style to bear in the song which became an international hit. “Tell me where they gonna go/if they have no home. Tell me what they gonna do when you find out the truth. Freedom is our goal,” he sang.

    Other artistes whose songs made the list include Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse (Nelson Mandela; 1994), Stevie Wonder (It’s Wrong; 1985), Brenda Fassie (My Black President, 1989), Johnny Clegg and Savuka, (Asimbonanga; 1987), Artists United Against Apartheid (I Ain’t Gonna Play Sun City; 1985), Peter Gabriel (Biko; 1980), The Specials (Free Nelson Mandela; 1984), Youssou N’Dour (Mandela; 1986) as well as The Malopoets (The End is Near; 1988).

    It is evident that all the songs have one thing in common: they all sought to put an end to the oppressive Apartheid regime in South Africa, but I Ain’t Gonna Play Sun City has its own special story. Guitarist Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band helped spearhead a musical boycott of South Africa’s big ticket resort town Sun City, which until then had paid handsome money for superstar concerts.

    Van Zandt who was to later star in The Sopranos put together a lineup for the song produced by early electronic dance music innovator Arthur Baker. In a historical move, the song bridged the worlds of rock and rap together and till date is still being regarded as one of the biggest genre convergence.

    The song featured not only lines by Bruce Springsteen but Grandmaster Flash, Bob Dylan and Afrika Bambaata, helping to further push rap to an audience which still regarded the genre as a not-so-pure form of artistry. The video which got heavy rotation on MTV also helped ignite campus demonstrations across America urging universities to divest their holdings in companies doing business with the South African regime.

    In Nigeria, the push to end Apartheid was just as intense. The Apartheid era in South Africa pitched Nigeria as one of the foremost supporters of Black South African liberation movements, including the African National Congress. The Nigerian government was known to have issued more than 300 passports to South Africans seeking to travel abroad.

    At some point, it is essential to note that Nigeria’s input into the struggle crossed all areas like literature, politics, diplomacy and of course, music. In 1989, Fela Anikulapo Kuti and his Egypt ’80 band released the Beast of No Nation album which depicts on its cover U.S. President Ronald Reagan, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and South African Prime Minister Pieter Willem Botha.

    One of the best guitarists at the time, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, is a Nigerian reggae singer and guitarist. With a soulful voice, Majek narrates Mandela’s ordeal in his song Free Africa; Free Mandela. “For 27 years, he’s been sitting at the jail. For 27 years gone, he’s been lying at the jail. He left his wife; he left his children for the sake of Africa.”

    Many have argued that it was Onyeka Onwenu who set the tempo for the freedom songs with her song titled Winnie Mandela, dedicated to the wife of the anti-apartheid icon. Victor Essiet and the Mandators also lent their voices to the struggle with the song, Apartheid. “Truth is our right/Jah is our might/we must lift up south Africa… don’t let them fool you/don’t let them wash our brain, this is no time to be deceived. All that talking is full of lies,” the Mandators condemn not just Apartheid as a government policy but also the feeble attempts by the west to quash it. Other Nigerian artistes who added their voice to the fight included Kollington Ayinla and Wasiu Ayinde Marshal.

    The former South African President and long time democratic activist was imprisoned by the pro-apartheid government from 1962 to 1990. During the period of his incarceration, Mandela wasn’t allowed access to music but it is important to note that music played an active role in the struggle to end racial segregation.

    From the mid-eighties to 1990, Nigerian musicians gave their talents to the struggle in form of composition and rendition of songs eulogising the late Mandela, calling for his unconditional and immediate release from Robben Island where he was jailed.

    Since December 5 when it was announced that the former president died at the age of 95, there have been mixed reactions as to whether Nigeria and its citizens have been treated with deserved honour by South Africa and South Africans but Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State emphatically stated that Nigeria deserves glory for post-apartheid gains.

    Speaking on Monday, December 9, the governor stated that Nigeria deserved respect for the leading role it played in ending the Apartheid regime in South Africa, describing it as ironical that Nigerians faced daily harassment in South Africa, while those who enthroned Apartheid got more respect in that country.

    “Tribute to Mandela, either during his life or after his death, cannot really be too much. We are privileged to share this planet with him. But then, there are more questions than answers. When you look at the part of the world where ovation is now the loudest, it was the part the pain was the most vicious. In a very cruel irony, history is being revised,” Fashola said.

    Appreciated or not, Nigerian artistes are proud of their contribution to the end of the era as some of the biggest entertainment acts are geared up to perform December 18 in honour of the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

    The event titled, The Legacy Lives… A Tribute Concert”, will showcase Nigerian artistes such as Dbanj, 2Face, Darey, Burna Boy, Ikechukwu, Eldee the Don and Zaina.

    Others are Mo Easy, Engager, Chioma, DJ Babus, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Julius Agwu, Mike Aremu, J. Martins, Niyola, Omawunmi, Tiwa Savage and Rocksteady and will hold at the Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island.

    It is being organised by Mo’ Abudu, Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV. “It is one of the least things we can do as Nigerians, Africans and global black citizens of the world to honour a unique, caring and very humble global character,” Abudu said.