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Wizkid Reveals 10 Little-Known Facts About Fela.

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Younger and older Nigerians continue to debate the comparison between Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Grammy-winning singer Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Amid the ongoing public discussion, Fela’s son, Seun Kuti, has stated that comparing Wizkid to his father’s legacy in music, activism, and philanthropy is disrespectful.

Understanding Fela’s journey sheds light on the debate, highlighting questions of authenticity, artistic purpose, and the evolution of Afrobeat from its revolutionary roots to its modern, globally acclaimed form.

Here are ten things you might not know about Fela:

  1. Fela was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Known for his unconventional lifestyle, he famously married 27 women in a single ceremony in 1978.

  2. He studied classical music and trumpet at Trinity College of Music in London, where he also encountered jazz and political ideas that shaped his music and worldview. Fela’s influence extended globally, impacting jazz, hip-hop, funk, and alternative artists.

  3. Fela is widely recognized as the pioneer of Afrobeat, a genre blending African rhythms, jazz, funk, highlife, and socially conscious lyrics.

  4. A turning point in Fela’s life came during a 1969 visit to the United States, where he met civil rights activist Sandra Izsadore. She introduced him to Black Power, Pan-Africanism, and the teachings of Malcolm X, reshaping his political outlook.

  5. Performances at the Afrika Shrine became legendary, combining concert and political rally, with extended songs and lyrics boldly criticizing corruption, oppression, and military dictatorship.

  6. Fela used music as protest, with tracks like Zombie, Sorrow, Tears and Blood, Coffin for Head of State, and Authority Stealing openly challenging the Nigerian government.

  7. He was arrested over 200 times, yet remained defiant and outspoken despite harassment, beatings, and imprisonment.

  8. In 1977, soldiers raided his Kalakuta Republic compound, burning it down. During the attack, his mother was thrown from a window and later died from injuries sustained.

  9. Fela passed away on August 2, 1997, reportedly from AIDS-related complications. His death marked the end of an era, but his music, message, and spirit of resistance continue to inspire globally.

  10. Today, Fela stands as a symbol of artistic freedom, political courage, and African pride, with his sons Femi and Seun Kuti continuing his musical and activist legacy, keeping Afrobeat a powerful voice against injustice.

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Mohbad Death: Court Orders Fresh Investigation Into Singer’s Tragic End.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted approval for a fresh legal move seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to reopen investigations into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho following an application filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation, a civil society organisation.

The group approached the court through its counsel, asking for permission to seek an order directing the police to conduct a more thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death.

The suit lists the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as respondents.

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Mohbad died in September 2023 in Lagos, a case that sparked widespread public outrage and calls for justice both within Nigeria and internationally.

In its ruling, the court allowed the group to pursue orders compelling the police to carry out their statutory duties under the Police Act, including questioning individuals last seen with the singer such as his wife, close associates, and his father, and taking further action where necessary.

The court also approved substituted service on the Lagos State Police Command through the office of the Inspector-General of Police’s Legal Department in Abuja.

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The case has been adjourned to May 4 for further hearing.

According to court documents, the organisation argued that the initial investigation into Mohbad’s death was inadequate and possibly compromised.

It further claimed that although a nurse linked to his treatment before death was arrested and prosecuted, several key persons were not properly investigated.

The group also noted that although the matter was initially moved to Abuja for a fresh probe following public pressure, it was later returned to Lagos without a conclusive outcome.

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I’d Trade My Fame For $2 Billion – Mercy Eke Says In Shocking Reveal.

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BBNaija Season 4 winner, Mercy Eke, has revealed she values money more than fame, saying she would gladly give up her celebrity status for $2 billion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with media personality Odira Ndubuaku, Mercy said her priority is financial freedom, adding that fame without wealth has no real value.

She explained that with $2 billion, she could afford a private island, secure a comfortable life, and take care of her family.

According to her, she only enjoys fame “occasionally” and would not hesitate to step away from the spotlight if the right offer comes.

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Mercy added that she does not attach much importance to social media influence and would even consider deleting her accounts if paid enough.

She said, “I would trade my fame for $2 billion. What is fame doing? Give me money and remove me from all social media. I would give up everything for money.”

In other news, BBNaija Season 6 winner Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as WhiteMoney, recently took a swipe at Mercy Eke and Maria Chike Benjamin during a TikTok live session.

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WhiteMoney mocked Mercy over her personal life and lifestyle choices, making several controversial remarks during the livestream.

He also warned Maria that joining the session would lead to embarrassment, using harsh words while addressing her directly.

His comments have since sparked reactions online, especially as he referenced his past interactions with Mercy during the BBNaija All Stars edition.

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Olajumoke Onibread Speaks Out, Denies Drug Use, Says Viral Video Was Just “Content”.

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Model Olajumoke Orisaguna, popularly known as Olajumoke Onibread, has denied claims of substance abuse following a viral TikTok video that sparked concern among fans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a post shared on Instagram, the former breadseller-turned-model explained that the video, where she was seen singing freestyle, was created purely for entertainment purposes.

She condemned online comments suggesting she now smokes or drinks alcohol, insisting that such habits do not reflect her upbringing or lifestyle.

Olajumoke said the misunderstanding arose from her attempt to create engaging content for her audience.

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According to her, “I’m not happy about the comments I saw on my video. Some people were saying that I now smoke and drink alcohol. Why would anyone think that about me? It was just content.”

She stressed that she neither smokes nor drinks, adding that she was not raised in such a way and urged the public not to attach a false reputation to her name.

Olajumoke added that even in social settings, she avoids alcohol, saying she often declines drinks offered to her.

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She also clarified that the song she sang in the viral clip was not her own.

Olajumoke rose to fame in 2016 after being discovered by photographer TY Bello. She has since rebranded into media, currently hosting a radio talk show where she shares her personal experiences and life struggles.

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