Entertainment
Secretary Of State Antony Blinken Performs Muddy Waters’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ To Kick Off Global Music Diplomacy Initiative
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
Entertainment
Super Eagles Iwobi to launch music album ‘More To Life’
The Fulham FC star revealed that the exnded play (EP) will feature a blend of solo efforts and collaborations, with Iwobi working alongside artistes such as 24am, Teniola Time, Gidi, Fido and SPK.
The Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has ventured into the music industry besides footballing, revealing on Instagram that he is set to release the first album, titled ‘More To Life,’ on April 9.
The Fulham FC star revealed that the exnded play (EP) will feature a blend of solo efforts and collaborations, with Iwobi working alongside artistes such as 24am, Teniola Time, Gidi, Fido and SPKS.
The announcement was accompanied by the album artwork and a full tracklist for the nine-song project.
Two of the tracks will see the midfielder perform solo, highlighting his growing confidence in music.Iwobi is no stranger to the studio, having previously collaborated with fellow footballer Chuba Akpom—who records under the alias Skoli—as well as British rapper Ramz on the track Hop Out.
Despite his ventures into music, the 29-year-old continues to play a key role on the pitch.
Entertainment
Superstory TV Drama Begins Today With ‘Game Boys’
The star-studded casts of Superstory include: Toyin Alausa; Gloria Anozie; Nifemi Bruce; Saheed Bayonle; Bukky Ogunnote; Abiola Ajibike; Adeyoju Oluwaferanmi; Tolu Ogungbade; Jerry Smart; Mercy Effiong; Omolara Adenuga; Ifeoluwa Shobande; Christiana Nnamani; Favour Tawo; Yarima Shammah; Eniola Matonle, and many of your favourite stars.
” From today March 26, 2026, episodes of Superstory: Game Boys will be airing weekly to viewers across Nigeria and several parts of Africa on NTA Network (Thursdays), wapTV (Thursdays), BCOS Ibadan (Saturdays), ITV Benin (Wednesdays), RSTV (Saturdays), ARTV (Tuesdays), PRTV (Saturdays), ITV Abuja (Wednesdays), MITV (Sundays ) and RAVE TV (Wednesdays); as well as online on YouTube: “waptvchannel.”
This is disclosed by the producer of Superstory TV Drama, Wale Adenuga Jnr., emphasising: “Superstory: Game Boys is a very captivating story which would hook viewers from the very first episode.”
Giving insights into the plot, Adenuga Jnr, said : “The Superstory: ‘Game Boys’ tells the story of Toyin, who dates a renowned internet fraudster, D-Boy, despite warnings from her brother, Ladi. All the while, she believes she is not directly committing any crimes.
“However, she soon finds herself drawn deeper into the dangerous world of cybercrime as her beauty catches the attention of bigger players who are ruthless and diabolical in nature.
“To save the family, Ladi must go to extreme lengths before it is too late.”
The star-studded casts of Superstory include: Toyin Alausa; Gloria Anozie; Nifemi Bruce; Saheed Bayonle; Bukky Ogunnote; Abiola Ajibike; Adeyoju Oluwaferanmi; Tolu Ogungbade; Jerry Smart; Mercy Effiong; Omolara Adenuga; Ifeoluwa Shobande; Christiana Nnamani; Favour Tawo; Yarima Shammah; Eniola Matonle, and many of your favourite stars.
In addition to the great production design and the multiple celebrities in it, the programme stands strong on the foundation of a very fascinating story, which is authentically African and relatable to viewers of all ages.
After Superstory recently won the ‘TV Drama of the Year’ award at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), we promised something extra special, and here it is.
Entertainment
AGN President Jetting to London for UK–Nigeria Creative Roundtable and Awards
I am honoured to participate in the creative roundtable and awards in collaboration with Elegant Flix 3D Magazine, themed: ‘Global Partnerships for Sustainable Cultural Heritage and Integrity’, which is in line with United Nations Social Development Goal17
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, has been billed to participate in the upcoming UK–Nigeria Creative Roundtable and Awards.
The event, scheduled to hold annually, will take place on Thursday, March 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in London
Commenting on the event, Yakubu affirmed that his participation would focus on engaging global industry leaders and fostering collaborations that promote Nigerian culture and talent on the world stage.
He said, “I will be in London for our forthcoming international engagement. I am honoured to participate in the creative roundtable and awards in collaboration with Elegant Flix 3D Magazine, themed: ‘Global Partnerships for Sustainable Cultural Heritage and Integrity’, which is in line with United Nations Social Development Goal17.
“I am looking forward to the event, and I know it will be an interesting and fruitful venture.”
Key stakeholders expected at the gathering include: Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy; founder, Elegant Flix 3DM Magazine – HRM Florence Okonkwo (Queen of the red carpet); Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, (MON, emeritus president, AGN); Chief Steve Enoh (Chairman, organising committee); Hon. Desmond Elliot; Chioma Akpotha (host); Ifeoma Okeke – Ozzoude ( moderator/ event producer), among others.
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