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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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Burna Boy Sets Record As African Artiste To Top Billboard Global 200 Chart

The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S

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Popular Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has made history as the first African artiste to top the Billboard Global 200 Songs chart.

The Grammy-multiple-award-winning singer achieved the feat after his collaborative World Cup song with Shakira, ‘Dai Dai’, peaked at number one on this chart this week.

The song is currently number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 Exclusive U.S.

The song also moved up twelve places this week to reach a new peak of 55 on the Billboard U.S.Hot 100 chart .

(New Telegraph)

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Nollywood star Ricardo Agbor “I waited 18 years before I had twins”

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Ricardo Agbor, has opened up about his 18-year journey to parenthood, revealing that he and his wife waited nearly two decades before they had twins.

The actor disclosed this during an interview with AfricanAList, where he reflected on his marriage, faith and the challenges he faced before he became a father.

Agbor said that he remained committed to his wife throughout the period, despite the long wait for children.

“I wanted to get married to a particular lady; I married her regardless of where she is from. She is not from my tribe. So ordinarily, we were supposed to have strife; no, it was very fair,” he said.

Speaking about the couple’s struggle with childlessness, the actor said that he specifically prayed for twins and refused to give up despite waiting for 18 years.

“It took 18 years for me to have the twins. And I waited. God knows, 18 years and they are 14 now, so I told God I wanted twins.

” So while that wait was on, if it were someone else, he would cross. But at the end of the day, I have twins. I have a boy and a girl. I asked God what I wanted,” he added.

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Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony

WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard). 

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The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.

WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard). 

The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.

In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.

Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.‎

As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.

‎Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.

For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.

The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.

(Credit: Leadership)

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