#RoundAboutTown With Henri Yire
Yesterday night was lit.
Literarily.
Over half a million people, crammed into one enclosed venue, dancing, sweating and screaming through the night. Surreal.
The noise was deafening, the high-powered lights flooded the venue like it was daylight as I tried desperately to hear the amazing performances above the annoying snore of my wife.
I was at home, seated on my couch and enjoying the 14th instalment of the Experience like the other sane half of Lagos was doing; watching it live on TV.
I couldn’t resist the irony of enjoying a deeply spiritual experience on Friday through to Saturday morning and then hopping to the other side of town for another fiery and sensual one.
The Cardi B concert.
If you don’t know what am talking about, allow me help you out of your hermitage.
Cardi B is in Lagos and she will be live in concert today.
But not to worry if you can’t make it to see her, there are other amazing hangouts this weekend too that will give you an absolutely great time.
Here they are in no particular order.
SATURDAY – DECEMBER 7, 2019
THE NO TOLERANCE MARCH
The #WARIFNoTolerance Campaign was launched to address the prevalence of Violence against Women in communities across Nigeria. Well-meaning Nigerian Celebrities and influencers stood with WARIF to say “No Tolerance” to rape and sexual violence and the digital campaign reached an estimate of 10 million people on social media. Following the on-going success of the “No Tolerance” campaign and the dire need for more awareness on issues of sexual violence, we call upon all men and women, young and old to participate in our No Tolerance March this year to raise awareness for issues of rape and sexual violence in Nigeria. All proceeds from this March will go to the care of survivors of gender based violence at the WARIF Centre.
TIme: 7:00AM
Fee: N5,000
Registration Link: https://warifng.org/event/the-no-tolerance-march/
Location: Road Chef Drive Thru, Lekki Phase 1
KAYAK LAGOS
Kayak the Lagos Lagoon.
Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Fee: N6,000 for 4 Hours N2,500 Per Hour for 2/3 Hours or N3,000 for 1 Hour
Email: nothingtodoinlagos@gmail.com to reserve your kayak.
Nielle’s Backyard Cookout and Movie Night
Nielle’s Backyard Cookout and Movie Night was formed out of our love for food and bringing people together. There are four elements to the event; Music, Food, Film and Conversations.
Time: 12:00PM – 9:00PM
Fee: N1,500
Location: 49 Abiola Crescent, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja
TEXTURES AND HABITATIONS
Textures and Habitation explore via mixed media paintings how elements fit in awkward, beautiful and sometimes abominable ways in the bustling city of Lagos.
Time: 4:00PM
Fee: Open to All
Location: Onikan House by Loving Lagos, 23, Military Street Onikan, Lagos
ELITEBOX CHRISTMAS PARTY
It’s our annual Christmas Party and Fundraiser for the Elitbox Foundation. Also, catch a live screening of the big fight Ruiz Jr vs Joshua!! The ReMatch!!!
Time: 6:00PM
Fee: N1,000 Donation
Location: 4 Oba Elegushi, Former Second Avenue, Ikoyi
LA TAVERNA END OF YEAR PARTY
Rounding off a fabulous 2019, La Taverna Restaurant invites you to celebrate in style with delicious food and beats! Its the La Taverna End of Year Party on December 7th, 2019. Open Bar, Buffet & Dance with DJs Anonymouss & G.rizo.
Time: 7:30PM – 2:00AM
Fee: N12,000
Location: The Backyard, 4b Musa Yardua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
DON’T DROP THE MIC
This Saturday @donotdropthemic the spotlight is on Uzikwendu @uzikwendu as he performs a few crowd favorites and hit singles! Come through to @bogobirihouse and join us in a night of amazing entertainment!! The theme of the night is “Peace” so expect the DDTM squad to be on hand to create some inspired musicals on the spot based on your suggestions! P.S. Free Cocktails from 8pm – 9pm and you can win free bottles during the show.
Time: 8:00PM
Fee: Open to All
Location: Bogobiri, 9 Maitama Sule Street, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi
SUNDAY – DECEMBER 8, 2019
THE MAX SFFL CHAMPIONSHIP
The game is finally here! The MAX-Shitsuke Flag Football League (Season 4) Championship Game.
From the Eko North Division – @panthers_flagfootball. And from the Eko South Division – @titans.athletics.
Only one team can walk away with the trophy, so you can’t miss the fireworks! Come out and enjoy the game! We’ll have food and drink vendors!
Time: 2:00PM
Fee: Open to All
Location: Meadow Hall School, Alma Beach Estate, Meadow Hall Way, Lekki Penninsula II, Lekki
BRUNCH OUT
It’s the last #FOMOBrunchOut of the year on Sunday @thepatiolagos, so you know it’s about to be lit! A surprise performance, freebies, games and most importantly GOOD VIBES. FREE Entry…Everyone is invited! Let’s end the year with a bang. Get ready as we bring you an amazing menu & cocktails, fun games like beer pong, Jenga and more, a special live performance & sounds from @joeythegoodman, @uncle__bubu & @vvadaa! Complimentary Cocktails till 4PM
Time: 2:00PM – 9:00PM
Fee: Open to All
Location: The Patio, No 1 Fola Osibo, Lekki Phase 1.
HOLIDAY ARTY PARTY
‘Tis the season! Please join us for ARTOJA’s Holiday Art Party, this Sunday, December 8th, 3-6 PM at ARTOJA @ The Radisson Blu Hotel. We will be exhibiting new works by John Madu, Kadara Enyeasi, Abraham Ogunlende, Femi Morakinyo and Agemo Francis. We also have a large selection of limited edition fine art prints available by many contemporary artists. Come find the perfect gift for this holiday season! Or you just might decide to treat yourself!
Time: 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Fee: Open to All
Location: The Boutique, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos, V.I, 1a Ozumba Mbadiwe Ave, Victoria Island, Lagos
ETUK’S TRUTH
Live Earth Music!
Time: 7:00PM – 11:00PM
Fee: N500
Location: 112, Akerele Road, Off Shitta, Surulere, Lagos
Mid-Week Gidi Up:
MONDAY – DECEMBER 10, 2019
SUNSET SESSIONS
It’s the only day of the week you can bring your own food, drink, and a blanket. Dodge the traffic and catch the sunset! The beach opens at 10am, in case you’re looking to skip work.
Time: 10:00AM-10:00PM
Fee: N2,000 Adults N1,000 Kids
Location: Landmark Beach, 4 Water Corporation Dr, Victoria Island, Lagos
TUESDAY – DECEMBER 11, 2019
WHOT TOURNAMENT 2019 @ EP TACO TUESDAY
Tournament Time! Calling all WHOT Players! Time to see who is #1.
Only 20 spots open. Prizes for 1st and 2nd Place!
Time: 7:00PM
Fee: Purchase a signature EP meal to participate.
Location: La Taverna, 48 Balarabe Musa, Lagos
That’s it for this weekend guys. Have A Hype- Filled Weekend!
See you around.
- Henri Yire
Femi Branch’s Stage Play ‘PO’ Makes Its Debut In Lagos
A farce, a social satire poking some of the biggest issues of 2019 as presented in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
PO is energetic and explosive; written by Femi Branch (@chief_femibranch) and produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba (@oluwanisholaadenugba) for Live Theatre Lagos in partnership with Theatre Hub Africa (@theatrehubafrica). The 2 cast play features Abiodun Akinsiku (@abiodunakinsiku) and Tunde ‘MisterRain’ Ojobaro (@tundemisterrain) and is also is directed by MisterRain. The Stage Manager and Technical Director is Adeleke Sholanke (@lakeshow) . The show is hosted by Desmond Ebuwa Ekunwe (@mediapersonality) with pre-show by Michael Ebube (@classicmike). The artwork were created by Nadim Soares and montage by Isaiah Akposure .
The FREE show, PO comes up on Sunday, December 22nd, 2019, though registration is required. Hurry and reserve your seats now at www.livetheatrelagos.info
PO is supported by TheLagosReview, MTN, Golden Penny Foods, CMRG Research Limited, Zaron, MaxdotNG, MediaCrush Outdoor limited, DSTV Africa Magic, Theatre Project Limited, Zenith Insurance, LIRS, Yanga!TV, 97.1 WFM, YNaija, Smooth98.1FM, RoyalRootsTV, Cool 96.9FM, AfricaMovieChannel, Happenings.com, AWATV , RadissonBlu Anchorage Hotel, eStar TV, Cool96.9, Zaron Cosmetics and PulseNigeria
Audiomack, Afrochella promote African music with Rising Star initiative
African music continues to gain global attention at an unprecedented rate with stars such as Sarkodie, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Shatta Wale, Nasty C and AKA championing the cause, now it is time for up-and-coming African musical talents to have their own share of the spotlight.
International music streaming platform Audiomack recently announced a partnership with Afrochella Festival in Ghana.
This union birthed the project “Rising Stars” a platform to uncover and promote up-and-coming talent across Africa. Audiomack and Afrochella will work to increase visibility and support for emerging musical talent throughout the continent.
Hundreds of African artists submitted their music and portfolio to Audiomack for the chance to perform at Afrochella Festival in Accra, Ghana, alongside a powerhouse lineup on December 28 at El Wak Stadium, Accra, Ghana.
Audiomack thereafter launched a curated playlist, Africa Rising, featuring 25 of the best submissions. Audiomack’s user base of over 10M users will vote on a winner, through a combination of streams, favourites, and shares. The artist with the highest engagement will win a $1,000 USD cash prize and a studio session at BBNZ live.
The top seven artists will receive a slot to perform onstage at Afrochella Festival!
Audiomack will also be sponsoring a panel discussion at Afrochella to promote the visibility of African talent and community empowerment. The panel will be comprised of music and media leaders such as Ivie Ani, Tenille Clarke, Juls (Producer), and more.
Commenting on the partnership, Afrochella founder Abdul Karim-Abdullah said;
“This partnership is our way of ensuring Africa’s rising stars have an opportunity to maximize their reach; as well as ensure a fair and transparent process for selecting opening acts.”
Audiomack CMO and Co-Founder David Ponte;
“From day one, we’ve recognized the importance of African music and artists to the rest of the world and to our platform… By investing back into African culture and communities through events like Afrochella, we want to provide exposure and support to talented artists across the continent.”
This year marks the third annual Afrochella Festival and the official closing event for Ghana’s Year of Return—a campaign marking the 400 years of the first enslaved African arriving in Jamestown, Virginia.
“Rising Stars” is underway now and closes December 17, 2019. Artists can apply and find all information at https://afrochellarisingstar.carrd.co/
Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and the vibrant work of African creatives & entrepreneurs. The festival is designed to elevate and highlight the thrilling and thriving millennial talent in Africa by introducing an interactive event that teaches, explains and explores various culture with a pioneering approach.
Audiomack is a youth-driven, artist-first music streaming platform that allows creators to share unlimited music and podcast content for free, along with tools to help them expand their audiences. Notable releases exclusive to or premiered on Audiomack includes Chance the Rapper’s seminal Acid Rap mixtape, J. Cole’s fabled Truly Yours 1 and 2, Eminem’s eviscerating Machine Gun Kelly diss track KILLSHOT and a series of freestyles from Nicki Minaj.
Audiomack currently reaches more than three million daily active users, generating over three billion monthly streams.
Wizkid’s Surprises Fans With New EP ‘Soundman Vol. 1’
Wizkid treats fans to new songs featuring Chronixx, DJ Tunez and more—just ahead of 2020.
Wizkid is back. The Nigerian pop star surprised listeners early this morning with the unannounced release of a new EP, Soundman Vol. 1.
Though Wizkid has released a couple of singles this year, fans had been awaiting a new drop and more extensive project from the artist. With it being so close to the end of the year, it didn’t look like we’d get a new body of work from the artist till 2020, but he proved otherwise when he took to Twitter at the wee hours of the morning to quietly share streaming links for the new project.
He also announced that a second EP, Soundman Vol. 2, would drop sometime before his highly-anticipated upcoming album Made In Lagos (MIL).
Read more
Apple Launches Apple Music Awards
Apple has hosted its first Apple Music Awards, with accolades based on selections by its experts as well as on streaming data reflecting what users have been playing most.
It calls the awards “a celebration of the best and boldest musicians of 2019 and the enormous impact they have had on global culture this year”. The Apple Music Awards honoured achievements in music across five categories, and winners were chosen through a process that reflects the service’s editorial perspective, combined with what customers around the world are listening to the most.
The winners for Global Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year were selected by Apple Music’s global editorial team of experts and tastemakers and given to artists who they say have true skill for their craft. The awards for Album of the Year and Song of the Year were based on streaming data reflecting what Apple Music customers have been listening to (on repeat) this year.
“The Apple Music Awards are designed to recognise the passion, energy and creativity of the world’s favourite artists,” says Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content. “The musically diverse group of inaugural winners have sparked deep social conversation, influenced culture and inspired our customers around the world. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate them.”
And the winners are…
Find them here
Source: gadget.co.za
Spotify reveals SA’s top streams
Post Malone is Spotify’s Wrapped 2019 most streamed artist of the year globally, Khalid tops the list in South Africa, and Kabza De Small is SA’s most streamed local artist of the year
Spotify has unveiled Wrapped 2019, an annual end of year summary that reveals the top artists, albums, songs, playlists and podcasts streamed on the platform. ‘Wrapped’ showcases how more than 248 million people around the world listened to and discovered music and podcasts in 2019, taking a look at music, culture and streaming through the eyes (and ears) of the fans and artists that made it all possible.
Spotify has revealed that, globally, Post Malone is the most streamed artist this year. This is the first time the rapper-singer-songwriter tops Spotify’s Wrapped list, just over 12 weeks after dropping his latest album, Hollywood’s Bleeding, which is also the second most streamed album globally and the most streamed album in South Africa this year.
Khalid came in at the top spot for the most streamed artist in South Africa, followed by Post Malone and Drake.
AmaPiano dominated South African dance floors in 2019, so it comes as no surprise that AmaPiano breakout star Kabza De Small is the most streamed local artist in South Africa this year, followed closely by DJ Maphorisa, with Hip Hop mega star Nasty C taking the third spot.
Read more here
Renowned African American author and artist is honored with a new archive at Penn
The artist and author Ashley Bryan, 96, rose from his chair, slowly, and looked out at a few hundred fans and archivists gathered to welcome him on Thursday evening.
Conversation at the Kislak Center for Special Collections at the University of Pennsylvania’s Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center ceased. And then Bryan’s booming voice, hardly muffled by age, filled the room with words he’d spoken many times before, the poem My People by Langston Hughes:
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“The night is beautiful, / So the faces of my people.”
His audience, hardly daunted, responded: “The night is beautiful, / So the faces of my people.”
The famous verse became a biblio-call-and-response: the tall artist, with his curls of gray hair, keeping a beat with his long, thin fingers, eyes closed, to the end; the audience of archivists, students, family, and friends carried along in the moment.
“Beautiful, also, is the sun. / Beautiful, also, are the souls of my people,” Bryan said, keeping the beat. And the response, the same.
Read more
The best fiction books of 2019 end the year on a high note
Monitor reviewers share the titles that stood out, including two impressive debut novels and stories centered on global themes.
December 6, 2019
By Monitor reviewers
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Two boys sentenced to a reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida reveal a study in contrasts: one is cynical, the other idealistic and inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. As they navigate abuse and corruption, they influence each other in ways that will alter the course of their lives.
Chances Are … by Richard Russo
During a weekend on Martha’s Vineyard, three men meet to renew their college friendship and puzzle over the mysterious disappearance, 40 years earlier, of a young woman with whom they were all in love. Richard Russo’s storytelling, word pictures, and understanding of character and community are rich in psychological detail.
Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah
Ursula von der Leyen: The making of Europe’s top leader
Petina Gappah’s work of historical fiction delves into the story of two African servants of famed 19th-century explorer David Livingstone. After Livingstone’s death, the pair are among those who transport his body, and his notes, 1,000 miles to ensure the body’s safe return to England. The novel glows with the insightful voices of the two servants and the strength of their devotion.
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Lisa See draws readers into the fascinating history of Korea’s Jeju Island and its women divers (haenyeo) who risk danger to collect shellfish while the men raise the children. Mi-ja and Young-sook are soul sisters who find joy and heartbreak in this unforgettable epic spanning 50 years, as their culturally rich island’s legacy is forever changed by world events. Readers will witness the fortitude of these women to transcend tragedy and find forgiveness.
Strangers and Cousins by Leah Hager Cohen
What could be more romantic than getting married in your family’s ancestral home? Lots of things in Leah Hager Cohen’s timely, timeless comedy. For one, the barn is about to collapse and the house isn’t in much better shape. For two, the parents plan to sell right after the wedding. For three, their daughter is planning less a heartfelt ceremony and more “an ersatz comedy on the institution of marriage.” Then someone steals the wedding ring.
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
Into the recognizable form of a Holocaust novel Alice Hoffman injects magical realism in the form of a golem, conjured from sacred Hebrew words. The golem is entrusted with the safety of a young Jewish girl. Hoffman delivers a lyrical novel that underscores what makes us human and calls out how we deny humanity in others.
Akin by Emma Donoghue
Noah Selvaggio is a retired chemistry professor who is set in his ways. The last thing he needs is a call from social services asking him to temporarily foster his pugnacious 11-year-old grandnephew whose mother is in prison. A captivating tour of the French town of Nice follows, as they piece together a World War II-era family mystery.
The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
This compelling novel is inspired by the Depression-era rural traveling Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky. It follows five remarkable women who band together to face adversities while bringing the wonder of books and literacy to their neighbors. It’s an epic feminist adventure that candidly paints a community’s soul-searching with great humor, honesty, heartache, and love.
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Ta-Nehisi Coates brings his remarkable talent to his first novel as he tells the story of Hiram Walker, a brilliant boy who seems to possess magical gifts. Born into slavery in 19th-century Virginia, Hiram survives a near drowning, an experience that emboldens him to try to gain his freedom.
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry
A lawyer is saddled with bailing out his younger brother, a professor who brings to life characters from books by famed authors such as Dickens, Wilde, Austen, and Brontë. When a stranger with a similar gift threatens everything, wild adventures ensue in this imaginative and heartfelt novel.
The Parisian by Isabella Hammad
Isabella Hammad’s first novel is not a page-turner. That’s not an insult. With historical sweep and sentences of startling beauty, she has written the story of a displaced dreamer, a young Palestinian whose merchant father sends him to France to study in 1914. Patient readers will find themselves rewarded with a new voice worth taking the time to listen to.
Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
Who among us doesn’t love a good update of “Pride and Prejudice”? Uzma Jalaluddin delivers with a satisfying romance full of wit and humor, set among a Canadian Muslim immigrant community navigating tradition and assimilation for its young men and women.
Source: CSMonitor.com
