Entertainment
My Friends Disappeared When I Needed Them – Terry Apala
Terry Alexandar Ejeh, a Nigerian afrobeat and Apala hip-hop artist, better known as Terry Apala, disclosed his experience of being abandoned by his friends and colleagues at the initial indication of trouble.
In a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, prominent media personality, Terry Apala revealed the journey of discovering his distinctive sound, building the confidence to showcase it, navigating a legal battle with his record label, and grappling with the suffocating silence of depression.
He said “I am from Isoko in Delta state. And because I wasn’t a Yoruba person, my friends in Mushin use to discourage me that my music wasn’t going to work.
“They were comparing me to Haruna Ishola and other singers in the Apala genre, saying that if they were talented and they are still where they are, how do I want to go about it. I started to break down how the music is going to work by adding up English and Pidgin to my sound. I try my best to split it so that people could understand it.
Terry Apala opened up about the passing of his father, who, after nearly 17 years of absence, returned and passed away in his house.
He said “My dad was not there. He was just somewhere, living his life. I left my dad in 1990, and the day I saw him was the day he was dying. He came all the way from Apapa to our house in Mushin, and he was strong.
“He asked for my mom, and I said she had gone out. I called my mom and said ‘Daddy is at home’. She was like ‘what did your father come to do?’ and I was like, ‘Daddy is at home, that’s what I have to tell you.’ She said, ‘He should take his leave please’. I told him ‘Mummy said you should be going.’
“He said, ‘no, I will wait till she comes back’. So, because my other siblings heard he was around, they couldn’t come home that night. So, me and our lastborn, Obi, slept together. He slept on the bed with my junior brother. I think he was throwing up when I woke up. As I woke up, I saw that he was throwing up. He laid his head on my junior brother. That was really touching, even though I didn’t really feel bad because this man was not there, but you know, you will have to pity someone that is about to die.
“So that was the day I saw my dad last. From my house to the mortuary.”
Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.
Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.
Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.
The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.
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The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.
Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.
Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.
A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.
Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.
CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.
Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.
Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.
The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.
The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.
Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.
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The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.
Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.
As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.
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Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.
The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.
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The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.
The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.
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