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Secretary Of State Antony Blinken Performs Muddy Waters’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ To Kick Off Global Music Diplomacy Initiative

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Secretary of State Tony Blinken kicked off a new state department global music diplomacy initiative by showing off his own skills as a singer-guitarist.

After delivering remarks at a State Department event, Blinken said that it would not be complete “without a little bit of blues,” before playing and singing the Muddy Waters classic “Hoochie Coochie Man.”

The State Department on the diplomacy initiative, which is designed to highlight music as a diplomatic tool in foreign policy, includes the Recording Academy as a partner. An American music mentorship program will bring international music industry professionals for mentorship and other opportunities. The first will be held in fall 2024.

Also announced was the Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts in Science, focusing on the intersection of arts and science. The competition will be announced in fall 2023, and the Kennedy Center will host the first scholar in 2024-25.

The State Department also will incorporate music into English-language learning overseas, and the diplomacy initiative will include oversees programming with arts envoys, including Herbie Hancock and the Dee Dee Bridgewater ensemble performing in Jordan in October. The tour then will go to Saudi Arabia for a first-of-its-kind program in that country. Ten American bands will travel to 30 countries starting in October, and the AMA Academy Cleveland will host young musicians from Ukraine in November.

Blinken and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. also announced a Peace Through Music Award, with Quincy Jones as the inaugural recipient.

Mason said that the initiative will “promote peace and cross-cultural understanding through music while continuing our mission to lift up music people around the globe.” Also part of the initiative is YouTube and Google. In a statement, its global head of music Lyor Cohen said that the initiative “creates a new avenue for us” to raise artists’ voices “and drive global music diplomacy forward; breaking down cultural barriers and fostering peace through music.”

BBC

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Entertainment

Fans of Seyi Vibez die in fatal accident after Lagos concert (Video)

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The young lady who was flunged into the Lagos Lagoon after the fatal accident that occurred on 3rd Mainland Bridge on Sunday night has been buried according to Islamic right.

Ohibaba.com recalls that some fans of Nigerian singer, Seyi Vibez reportedly lost their lives in the fatal accident.

The victims were said to have passed away while returning from the Seyi Vibez concert on Saturday night at Lagos Island.

Sharing the devastating news, an eyewitness, @alli_ya7 posted the video of the incident on X.

While advising the public against reckless driving, she revealed that the victims had engaged in a car race on expressway.

She wrote: “They left the show and started racing on the express, trying to overtake other cars.

Why race on the highway? May their souls rest in peace. SPEED KILLS.

”The fatal incident, which involved more than four vehicles, sparked outrage and grief online.

Meanwhile, five others who died in the crashes were laid to rest at Marikaz Cemetery, Agege, on Monday morning.

Watch the video below:

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‘Things Fall Apart’ actor Fabian Adibe dies at 82

Born on December 1, 1943, Adibe belonged to the older generation of actors who laid the foundation for Nollywood.

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Legendary actor Fabian Adibe, best known for his role in the NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, “Things Fall Apart,” has died.

His death on Wednesday was confirmed by the CEO of Best of Nollywood, BON, Seun Oloketuyi, in a post on his social media.

“‘Things Fall Apart’ actor, Fabian Adibe, is dead. Died 2:30 am this morning,” Oloketuyi posted on social media.

Adibe earned widespread admiration for his iconic portrayal in the adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” and his calm demeanour and powerful performances endeared him to generations of viewers.

The actor and television personality, who led Nigeria to its first Commonwealth Art Festival in 1965, began his acting career in 1987 in the acclaimed Nigerian TV series, “Things Fall Apart.”

He played the role of Ogbuefi Uzowulu and acted alongside Pete Edochie.

His other co-actors, Justus Esiri and Sam Loco Efe, in the series are now deceased.

Born on December 1, 1943, Adibe belonged to the older generation of actors who laid the foundation for Nollywood.

He featured in over 300 movies, including “Slave Warrior” (2012), “White Kingdom 2” (2014), and “Father’s” (2014), among others.

The revered actor featured in foreign movies, including “Soweto,” a story about the struggle in South Africa, and “Mr. Johnson,” a Hollywood film.

He was a staff member of the Nigerian Television Authority until he was retrenched on May 25, 1984.

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Google Launches Gemini Storybook for Nigerian children aged 6 and below

Storybook allows you to place a child directly at the centre of their own learning adventure, which is key to holding their attention and helping them grasp new concepts.

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Google has launched Storybook, a new feature within its Gemini app, aimed at providing a creative and interactive learning tool for Nigeria’s 39 million children aged six and under.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, communications & public affairs manager for Google in West Africa, said that the AI-powered feature transforms simple prompts, personal photos, and children’s drawings into customised, narrated storybooks, bridging a critical gap in early childhood education through technology rooted in storytelling.

This launch provides a powerful new creative tool in Nigeria, a country with a rich and deep-rooted tradition of storytelling.

With a young population that includes approximately 39 million children aged six and under, the need for engaging and accessible educational content is more critical than ever.

Storybook is designed to help bridge this gap by empowering anyone to create personalised learning experiences.

“It addresses a real need for parents and educators who are looking for fresh ways to captivate the minds of our youngest learners. The challenge is often making education interactive and personal.

Storybook allows you to place a child directly at the centre of their own learning adventure, which is key to holding their attention and helping them grasp new concepts,” he said.

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