Entertainment/Arts/Culture
12 States, FCT Feature at 14th Int’l Arts Expo

No fewer than 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory are participating at the ongoing 14th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo in Abujà.
Among the states exhibiting their arts and crafts at INAC in Abuja are: Jigawa, Bayelsa, Kano, Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, Ondo and Zamfara.
Others are Ogun, Yobe, Kebbi, Nasarawa states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The drive-in-exhibition of arts and crafts, which commenced on Oct.
13, 2021, has the theme; “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”.Delegates from the states who spoke with Newsmen commended the organisers of the expo.
They called on Nigerians to appreciate locally made products as huge patronage had been recorded only from the international visitors.
Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed-k-Jarma, Executive Secretary, Jigawa State History and Cultural Bureau, said that the state had exhibited rafia, leather, metal works and ceramics.
He said the state had enjoyed more patronage from the international community in attendance, while Nigerians had shown non-challant attitude toward the locally made arts and crafts.
He however urged Nigerians to be deliberate in admiring, marketing and promoting locally made crafts as huge revenue could be derived from it if well harnessed.
He urged the organisers to work more on creating publicity for the 2022 edition of the expo so that patronage can be improved on.
”Since yesterday when the expo opened, we have only seen the international visitors come to buy our arts but Nigerians have shown little interest in buying.
”That is the reason we only have 12 states in attendance, considering how endowed we are as a nation, we should be enjoying the gains of our arts and crafts by now.
”This is the time to wake up and promote our local products for wealth creation,” he said.
Also, Mr Ewenyi Abdul, Head of Gallery and Exhibition, Federal Capital Territory Council for Arts and Culture, said the FCT had exhibited crafts and arts that depicted some aesthetic value and the international visitors had shown much admiration toward those products.
He said one of the craft the international visitors were attracted to most was the hand sanitiser bottles made with clay which was purchased in large quantity.
Mr Oladusi Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, called on Nigerians to jettison the non-challant attitud exhibit towards locally made arts and crafts.
Komolafe said that no nation was more talented and endowed by beautiful arts and crafts like Nigeria, adding that this should translate to financial gains for the artists and the nation.
He commended NCAC for a successful hosting of the 14th INAC, creating a veritable platform for marketing Nigerian crafts, urging Nigerians to take the opportunity to appreciate their crafts to be able to benefit tangibly from it.
According to him, Lagos State had displayed local fabrics, bags and other ornaments made with local fabrics, paintings and sculptures.
NAN reports that some documentaries from states and countries were showcased during the expo to educate the audience.
On display at the 14th INAC were local crafts, cuisine, fashion, documentaries from respective participating states, Federal Capital Territory and countries.
The expo also featured exhibition of apparels and embroidery; brass and metal designs; captivating music and dance; coral and jewelry designs; classic ceramics; decorative pottery; cultural souvenirs; beads; handmade bronze; came; raffia and wood designs.
The expo commenced Oct. 13th and will end Oct. 15, 2021. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Ayra Starr Clinches UK Platinum Certification for “Rush”

Afrobeat superstar Ayra Starr has earned the prestigious Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom for her hit single “Rush”, for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) officially recognise “Rush” with a platinum plaque, making the “Sability” crooner first Nigerian female artist to achieve this remarkable feat in the UK.
The hit song marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the UK Official Top 100, cementing her growing status as one of the most sought-after African music artiste in recent times.
The Grammy-nominated singer had earlier earned impressive accolades for ‘Rush’, including a Diamond Certification in France in 2023.
“Rush”was released in Sept, 2022, and quickly gained viral success, charting in the top ten across several countries such as France, Lebanon, and South Africa.
The track’s massive popularity also contributed to Ayra Starr’s first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
In addition to her recent UK achievement, “Rush” has also earned platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, and 3times Platinum in Nigeria, demonstrating its widespread acclaim and commercial success. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
OdumoduBlvck Wins Next Rated Award at Headies

Rapper OdumoduBlvck has emerged as the big winner of the ‘Next Rated’ category at the 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Award.The 17th Headies Award ceremony, with the theme “Back to Base”, took place on Sunday at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.The Next Rated category is arguably the most coveted award at the Headies, recognising the most promising and talented emerging artistes in the industry.
OdumoduBlvck’s win in the Next Rated category was a highlight of the evening. In an emotional moment, he brought his mother and entire crew on stage to celebrate with him.He shared a heartfelt story about his mother’s journey, revealing that she gave birth to him in her late thirties and how she always knew he was destined for greatness.He expressed his deep gratitude to his mother, dedicating the award to her, and acknowledging the special bond they share as mother and son.The crowd erupted in applause as Odumudu Blvck’s mother beamed with pride, surrounded by her son’s crew members, friends, and Report also says that this year’s event marked a significant return to Nigeria after a two-year of hosting in the United States.The “Back to Base” theme of the ceremony highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s cultural identity while pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.The event drew an array of star-studded attendees, showcasing the richness and diversity of African music.Notable attendees included Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who graced the occasion with his presence.Celebrities, top industry stakeholders, and dignitaries walked the red carpet, adding to the glamour of the evening.One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the attendance of Tanzanian singer Juma Jux and his wife, Priscilla Ojo.The newlywed couple marked their first appearance together at the Headies award, making it a memorable night for fans and admirers.This year’s edition of Headies featured 31 categories, including Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Recording of the Year.Other notable winners of the night included Liya, who won Best Vocal Performance (Female).Lojay, who won Best Vocal Performance (Male), and Rema, who won Afrobeats Album of the Year for his album “HEIS”.Davido was crowned Artiste of the Year, while Zerry DL took home the Rookie of the Year award.Late rapper Mohbad was also honoured with a posthumous award, which was received by his family.KCEE was recognised with a Special Recognition Award for years of excellence in the industry.Other notable winners include:- Tribe Called Judah,(Soundtrack of the Year); Tems, who won Best Recording of the Year for her song “Burning”; Qing Madi, who won Songwriter of the Year for “Vision” by Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma.Others are OZEBA, who won Producer of the Year; Director Pink, Music Video of the Year for “EGWU”; Flavour, Afrobeats Single of the Year for “Big Baller”.Also, Temitola Adekunle Johnson and Michelle Mukoro (King Mitchy), who were recipients of the Humanitarian Award. (NAN)Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Liverpool Trashed Tottenham Hotspur To Secure 20th EPL Title
by Muhyideen Jimoh
Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in style as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield.
First-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all but wrapped up a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.
This was before Mohammed Salah’s 28th goal of a prolific campaign and a Destiny Udogie own goal made the scoreline emphatic.
Spurs briefly threatened to spoil a party that began hours before kick-off by taking an early lead through former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke but the Londoners put up little resistance as the Reds clicked into gear.
The title, secured with four games to spare, is only the Merseysiders’ second in 35 years.
It is also the first in that period they have been permitted to celebrate in front of fans after their 2020 success came during the COVID-19 pandemic