Tuesday, September 21, 2021

The Fugees reunion: Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel announce comeback tour of first gigs in 15 years

Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel rose to fame as The Fugees in the 1990s, releasing second album The Score in 1996, with hits including Fu-Gee-La, Ready Or Not and their cover of Killing Me Softly.

Hip-hop group The Fugees have announced they are reuniting for their first live shows in 15 years, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their seminal album, The Score.

The trio - Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel - rose to fame in the 1990s - thanks to hit songs including Fu-Gee-La, Ready Or Not and their cover of Killing Me Softly, all from the album, which topped the Billboard 200 in the US and charted at number two in the UK.

Debuting in the early '90s as Tranzlator Crew, the group eventually adopted the name Fugees, a shortened riff on "refugees'' that referenced cousins Jean and Michel's shared Haitian-immigrant heritage. Their first album Blunted On Reality was released in 1994, but it was The Score that made them a household name.

Despite only being together for five years and two albums before they split for the first time, The Fugees made a huge impact on hip-hop music in the 1990s and won two Grammy awards for The Score and Killing Me Softly. The Score went on to have estimated sales of more than 22 million worldwide, placing it among the best-selling albums of all time.

Following a break-up amid tensions in the band, all three musicians went on to have solo careers. Jean released his debut album Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival in 1997, while Hill and Michel followed in 1998, with The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill and Ghetto Supastar respectively.

The trio reunited for Fugees gigs in 2004 and 2005, but later split again.

Announcing the reunion tour, which will include a UK show in London, Hill said: "The Fugees have a complex but impactful history. I wasn't even aware the 25th anniversary had arrived until someone brought it to my attention.

"I decided to honour this significant project, its anniversary, and the fans who appreciated the music by creating a peaceful platform where we could unite, perform the music we loved, and set an example of reconciliation for the world."

"As I celebrate 25 years with The Fugees, my first memory was that we vowed, from the gate, we would not just do music, we would be a movement," said Jean. We would be a voice for the unheard - and in these challenging times, I am grateful once again, that God has brought us together."

The Fugees on tour for The Score 25th Anniversary. Tickets available Friday at 10 AM local.
Click here fore more info: https://t.co/O6xIfqKBoq pic.twitter.com/ce9XZogDj8
— Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) September 21, 2021

The Fugees will play a one-off gig in New York on Wednesday before the tour starts in Chicago on 2 November. They will play eight US dates in total before a show in Paris and then at the O2 in London on 6 December. The tour will finish with gigs in Nigeria and Ghana.

The Fugees' charitable fund also plans to link up with Global Citizen for philanthropic efforts around the tour, the band have said.

Tickets for the shows go on sale on 24 September.

Sunday, September 19, 2021

Burna Boy says he will not release an album till further notice

On September 18, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy took to his Instagram stories to break many fans' hearts. He announced that he will not release an album this year.

On his Instagram stories, he wrote that, "I might decide not to drop an album for a long time. In fact, you know what, no album till further notice."

In April 2021, Pulse Nigeria reported that Burna Boy teased an August 2021 release for his new album. But having released two singles, 'Kilometre' and 'Question' with Don Jazzy in 2021, he looks to have shelved those plans.

A year without an album release would be Burna Boy's first since 2017. In the last three years, he has released Outside, African Giant and Twice As Tall, which dropped in August 2020.

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Mercy Aigbe Cries Out About Nigeria’s Economy Says She Is Depressed

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe has spoken on the recent hike of the Naira against the Dollar and has complained that it is making her depressed.

She made a post on Instagram asking how other entrepreneurs are surviving with the exchange rate and paying school fees for their children schooling abroad.

She had written: “My fellow entrepreneurs how exactly are you coping with this exchange rate? Even paying abroad school fees na die, this country!!

Naija News also reports that the Naira was at 550 to a dollar on Thursday, September 9. This has been the lowest Naira has fallen in a very long time. Reports from the BDC in Kano revealed that as of Thursday evening a dollar was exchanged for 549.

Tems is Apple Music's UP NEXT artist, set to perform on Jimmy Kimmel

Apple Music today announced artist/producer Tems as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music's monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent. The artist just announced her signing to Since ’93/RCA Records, following the release of her new single, ‘Crazy Tings.’

Tems is a dynamic songwriter and producer who is bringing a new energy to the Nigerian music scene. The Isale Eko native boasts a blend of R&B and Soul paired with African nuances to create her unique sound. Last year, Tems released her first EP, For Broken Ears, which was the top R&B album in 43 countries, receiving nods from artists like Brent Faiyaz, Chris Brown, Drake, and more.

Tems also appears on Drake’s newest album, Certified Lover Boy, as well as Wizkid’s standout single, ‘Essence,’ which has held the #1 position on Shazam’s Top 200 Charts. Dubbed the “song of the summer” by critics/fans, the track went #1 at Urban Radio and #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, with a new version recently released with Justin Bieber.

Tems’ songs have been prominently featured on Apple Music playlists such as Afrobeats Hits, Africa Now, Top 100: Nigeria, she was deemed an Apple Music 'Africa Rising' artist, has curated exclusive guest playlists for Apple Music Africa Month and Holiday Sounds, and contributed to Apple Music’s Exclusive Original Playlist: Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs.

“I’m so so excited to be selected as the Apple Music Up Next artist,” says Tems. "I'm happy that I can share my story and the story of where I am from. Sending huge love to Apple Music for encouraging artists, and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale."

“Tems once told me that 'being yourself actually takes more courage than people would imagine," said Apple Music 1 host Nadeska. "In her career that has meant ignoring opinions and pressure to compromise her music, while constantly defying expectations. Her debut EP was raw and addictive, leaving fans hungry for her next release. And no matter how her song writing evolves, her unique and captivating vocal tone will bring her the spotlight on any original or feature record she touches.”

In her Up Next film out today, Tems shares details of her journey, growing up with a single mom in Lagos, Nigeria, being extremely introverted, and afraid to use her regular singing voice because it was too “textured.” She also talks about getting a job right out of university because she thought she had to provide and that’s what her family wanted.

She tells Apple Music: “My decision to quit my job, that leap that I took, literally everything was just coming together. Just off ’Try Me’ alone I had a lot of shows. I couldn’t go out anymore, I couldn’t go to the supermarket anymore, I was like, 'ok something is happening.' ’Try Me’ came out of that strife, and I really wanted it to mean something, especially for Nigerians, people that live in this country, because things are hard."

Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on September 29, 2021 and a sit down interview with Apple Music 1’s Nadeska, where she discusses her highlights from the last year, working with Wizkid on ‘Essence,’ as well as its remix with Justin Bieber, and the new music she has coming.

Tonto Dikeh says ex Prince Kpokpogri is planning to expose her nudes

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has revealed that her former boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogri, plans to release her nudes.

In a petition filed against the activist, the actress accused him of blackmail, extortion, and obtaining by false pretense.

"From sometime in June 2021, one Prince Kpokpogri Joseph started to court our client with a proposal to marry her. In the process, he would invite our client to his residence and sometimes, he came over to our client’s residence," part of the petition read.

"Unknown to our client, the said Joseph Kpokpogri (who our client later discovered to be a serial blackmailer) had other motives for courting our client."

"Our client now has reasons and evidence to believe that Joseph Kpokpogri has planted closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV Cameras) at private areas of his residence, and had stage-managed those visits with the aim of blackmailing our client."

"She was surprised when sometime in August 2021, the suspect started demanding money from her and threatening to expose nude pictures and other such documents relating to her."

"To actualize his demands, the said Kpokpogri started sending messages, documents, and files containing sensitive information and materials relating to our client to her phone while also releasing some to the public."

"Our client believes that some of those information were obtained either by wire-tapping her phone and/or through such other means without her authorization."

The petition also demanded that Kpokpogri releases a Toyota Hilux truck belonging to Dikeh in his possession.

Reports of the activist's arrest by the Department of State Service first broke on Wednesday, September 16, 2021.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

A known apologist of Governor Yahaya Bello and former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, has revealed those behind the Kabba prison break in Kogi state.

He claimed it was planned by those trying to undermine and discredit Governor Bello.

Gunmen had attacked the Kabba Custodial Centre in the wee hours of Monday where over 244 inmates escaped while four soldiers were killed by the fully armed bandits.

However, Kayode in a tweet via his Twitter account on Monday said the prison break and murder of security men in Kogi was contrived.

He further noted that the incident was planned by those trying to undermine and discredit Yahaya Bello, saying it would not work.
He added that those behind it would hear from them soon.

”The prison break and murder of security men in Kogi was contrived. It is a similar plot to the EFCC one.

”Those behind it need to know that when God is with someone nothing can stop him. ”Trying to undermine & discredit Yahaya cannot work. Those behind it will hear from us soon,” he said.

BBNaija 2021: Whitemoney wins 1st HOH games, Nini wins veto power

Whitemoney chose Queen as his deputy HOH.

'Shine Ya Eye' fan-favourite housemate Whitemoney has won his first head of house games.

The housemate emerged HOH after winning 26 points at Monday's HOH games. In a surprising twist, Nini who was originally up for eviction alongside Yousef, Emmanuel, Angel and Saskay came second in the games with 25 points.

Alongside winning exclusive access to the HOH lounge, Whitemoney gets 250 Abeg Naira and 200 BB Tokens. The HOH also got to nominate Queen as his Deputy HOH.

This week's veto power holder on the other hand, had the opportunity to save herself with Cross as her replacement.

So, the week's nomination list now consists of Cross, Emmanuel, Saskay, Angel and Yousef.

Recall the nominations for the week held nearly an hour before the games.

Away from the nominations, the week's HOH games spotted some highlights including Saskay's emotional breakdown and Angel's surprising lackadaisical attitude towards the games.

It appears both housemates felt a little overwhelmed by the turn of events leading to their nominations.

Kanye West unfollows Kim Kardashian on Instagram

Kanye West has unfollowed his estranged wife, Kim Kardashian on Instagram.

The billionaire rapper unfollowed the mother of four children on Monday, September 13, 2021.

This is coming months after the rapper unfollowed Kim's entire family on Twitter.

Kim Kardashian and hubby, Kanye West [Instagram/KimKardashian]

West confessed to cheating on Kim while they were married.

According to PageSix, multiple sources revealed that he talked about his cheating escapades in 'Hurricane,' one of the tracks of his newly released album, Donda.

"The song is in a way his testimony of everything he did wrong and taking accountability for their marriage breakdown,” one insider shared.

In the song, the West raps, “Here I go actin’ too rich / Here I go with a new chick / And I know what the truth is / Still playin’ after two kids / It’s a lot to digest when your life always movin."

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and their four children [Mirror]

The track also talked about his multi-million dollar mansion and his struggle with alcohol.

Kim and Kanye's official divorce news first broke in February 2021.

This, came weeks after speculations about their marriage collapse.

Kim and Kanye were married in 2014 and have four children, daughter North, 7, son Saint, 5, daughter Chicago, 3, and son Psalm, 2.

Military onslaught in Zamfara: Dislodged bandits flee southwards, gunmen strike in Kogi, Kaduna, Ekiti

Amotekun corps

Taiwo Ojoye

14 September 2021

There were strong indications on Monday that bandits fleeing the military onslaught in Zamfara State were moving to states in the South.

Top security sources, who confided in our correspondents, said security agents in other states had been alerted to be on the lookout for the fleeing bandits.

It was also gathered that the South-West states had put the regional security outfit, Amotekun, on the alert following intelligence reports that bandits being dislodged from Zamfara State were fleeing southwards.

The Amotekun Corps commanders in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states, in separate interviews with our correspondents, stated that residents of the states had been told to be vigilant and guard against infiltration by the fleeing hoodlums.

They said this as gunmen invaded the Kabba Correctional Centre in Kogi State, where they freed 240 inmates and killed two soldiers.

In Kaduna State, suspected herdsmen attacked Peigyim village in the Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state and killed 12 persons.

No fewer than four travellers were also abducted in Ekiti State on Monday.

The Federal Government had last week ordered telecommunications companies to shut down their base stations in Zamfara State as part of the onslaught against bandits, who were engaged in ceaseless kidnapping and killings in the state and other parts of the North-West.

The bandits had also been hit by hunger following the decision of the state government and neighbouring states to close regular markets, where they were getting foodstuffs.

There were reports that many bandits had been killed during military raids, while others were said to be fleeing Zamfara State.

A senior police officer, who confided in The PUNCH, said, “A few days ago, some of the bandits fled to Niger State and they were dealt with by the military. Some of them are moving southwards and security agents have been alerted.”

We envisaged that bandits would take refuge in other states – Ekiti Amotekun commander

The Corps Commander, Amotekun Corps, Ekiti State, Brig Gen Joe Komolafe (retd.), said in an interview with The PUNCH that the agency had always envisaged that the dislodged bandits would want to take refuge in other states and was proactive about guarding against their incursion into Ekiti.

Komolafe said, “We have always envisaged that when dislodged, they will want to move to other states; that is why each time we come out, we talk to the citizens to report strange faces to us.

“We try as much as possible to monitor the routes and entry points; we know that the criminals may not come by road or through the main routes to enter the state; it is in view of that that we always tell our people to report strange faces to us.

“We patrol the forests; we have people on the farms, who will tell us when they see strange faces on the farms or bushes. We try to plead with the people to give us necessary information about strange faces and unusual movements.

“Also, we have perfect working relationships with Amotekun in the neighbouring states as well all security agencies in the state.”

‘We got intelligence that bandits were trying to relocate to Ondo forests’

On his part, the Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, stated that the security outfit had received a security report on the fleeing bandits.

He said Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had given an order for the corps to put in place necessary security measures in the 18 local government areas of the state to prevent the bandits from striking in the state.

Adeleye stated, “We have got information from a reliable intelligence report that the fleeing bandits are coming, that they intend to stay in the forest to cause mayhem and that they are closing in seriously. The source told us that the bandits want to start with Ondo State as a frontline state.

“So, with that, we have put serious intelligence on the ground across the state and our primary aim is to prevent any infiltration and attack. We don’t even want them to strike before we get them. So, we are at every local government area, every major town and inside the forest.

“On the other side too, we are deploying all means to ensure that if they come to this state, they will meet their waterloo. Right now, our intelligence is on the ground at every nook and cranny of the state. And we are monitoring keenly. That is what Mr Governor has directed me to do and I will do it diligently.”

Oyo Amotekun beefs up security at boundary with Kwara

The Director-General, Amotekun Corps, Oyo State, Col Olayinka Olayanju ( retd), said the outfit’s personnel were patrolling boundaries of the state aggresively to prevent hoodlums from relocating to the state.

The DG said, “We knew that and our men are already on the lookout for the bandits, other criminals and strange faces, especially at our boundaries.

“We are at alert and our men are carrying out operations regarding this at Irepo, which is the boundary of Oyo and Kwara states, to make sure that the bandits do not relocate to our state.

“They will be stopped. Our men will pick them up. We won’t allow criminals to relocate here.”

‘Osun does not have ungoverned areas’

On his part, the Corps Commander, Amotekun Corps, Osun State, Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), stated, “They (bandits) can’t come to Osun, because the state does not have ungoverned areas.

“Everywhere is being monitored in Osun State in collaboration with the police and with additional 750 vigilantes recently recruited by the state government to support Amotekun.”

Tactics won’t be divulged at the moment – Defence Headquarters

When contacted to comment on reports that the bandits being dislodged from Zamfara State were fleeing to other states, especially southern states, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Madonna Eyes Fresh Young Meat ... And He's Down to Bang

Madonna tried to holla at a hot shirtless male model -- who's 33 years younger than her -- but proving she' still got game ... we found out the guy's willing to give her a ride!

The model's name is Andrea Denver -- and his bod is definitely worthy of Madge's Instagram, which included the caption: "8 pac!! Hell to the yeah!!!" She threw in a bunch of heart emojis too ... which might come off as kinda thirsty, except for the fact Andrea's totally down.

Sources close to Andrea tell us he saw the IG and his reaction was, "I'd definitely go on a date with her." Taking a page out of Drake's playbook ... we're told Andrea also gushed the 56-year-old is "really attractive" -- and he's always been a big fan.

0424-SUB-madonna-adrea-denver-INSTAGRAM-01

Madonna and Andrea have never met, but according to our sources ... he's excited there's now a chance. He's hoping she follows through and hooks it up.

As for the fact she could be his mother -- we're told Andrea says age doesn't scare him.

Khloe and Lamar Not Ready for Divorce The Door's Open a Crack

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are NOT ready to divorce ... in fact, they're secretly talking.

Sources connected to both Khloe and Lamar tell TMZ, the 2 of them are not romantic and are not talking reconciliation, but they don't want to close the door on the marriage either. That explains why Khloe's divorce has been laying dormant in the courts for more than a year ... the judge has even said if she doesn't s*** or get off the pot, he'll dismiss it.

Our Lamar sources says there's bad blood on both sides. It's not as if he's begging her to reconcile ... he feels betrayed by Khloe as well. The Lamar sources say she's told him he has to make some sort of "grand gesture" before they can go the next step, and so far he's not willing to do it.

For her part, we're told she has "a big heart" and doesn't want to hurt him by sealing the deal on the divorce. But it's more than just mercy ... we're told she still has feelings for him.

0422-khloe-kardashian-lo-tattoo-instagram-01

As for the pic Khloe posted showing her "LO" tattoo on a gearshift ... we're told it's not a sign she's going back with Lamar ... she just digs her new Bentley.