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Fela would have been proud of Wizkid, Davido — Sean Dampte

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Tell us about your growing up?
I am From a family of 5, born in Ebute-Metta area of Lagos. Attended Tunwase Primary School in IKEJA, Apapa memorial for my Junior High and spent most of my Senior Years at Unity School Ode-Aye. Strict parents, naughty childhood but did well for that phase. Higher education for BSc and MBA was completed in the US and UK respectively.
You’ve been part of the music industry in Nigeria and the UK. How do you think Nigeria can get to the same level as regards music production with others?
Hahaha, we do well in Nigeria, but yes it can be better. I believe it’s more around investing more into the music itself. Investing in upscaling our music knowledge and create as much as follow trends. But practically, it boils down to Studio equipments and dedication.
Why would a BSc and MBA degree holder dump it all for music?
I wouldn’t use the word ‘dump’. It is such a strong word. Hahahahahaha, it is what has sustained my passion and dedication to music. The degrees are the foundation. And above all, music is life.
And none of your parents protested vehemently against your choice of career?
My parents, like most didn’t fancy my furore into the music world. As time passes, they now appreciate me for what it is and the joy it brings. To me, the friends, fans and family.
Tell us how well afrobeat is doing in the UK. We know it is gaining acceptance in the US?
The AfroBeat scene in the UK is huge. I mean, it is like second culture. It is in the main stream and so it already part of all and everything called music over here.
Whose music, besides Fela’s, is helping much to spread the genre, among this generation of acts?
That is difficult to answer. I believe every artist would have a different view depending on background and understanding of the genre.
How about you? How well would you say your music has done it’s bit?
I believe my music is crossing the boundaries of the genre. Not only is my sound uniquely different but also the brand. I infuse the music cultures of 3 continents, while not losing the essence of the sounds. And I mean, music is food and should be available for every taste.
Tell us more about your latest single, “Million”. What inspired you to compose it and how is it doing generally?
The single “Million” is gaining momentum and am actually happy about its progress. The track was inspired by different emotions at that time. And more than anything else, the world needs more love. So my love for my family, my friends, my country and most importantly my fans is nothing short of one in a Million.
When was the last time you visited Nigeria?
Hahahah, that makes it seem an never in the country. I can assure you I am in Nigeria more often than you know. I was in Nigeria in September.
What did you do to enhance the quality of your music while around?
Hahahahah, music quality is debatable but content and the environment is very important which I enjoy.
If Lagos was fun, why did you leave the country?
The decision to spend most times outside the country is and will always be to experience other cultures. Do not forget that culture is the backbone of any and every kind of music.
Have you been able to achieve what you set out to do in England?
Success is not a destination, if you know what I mean. To keep it simple, it’s a work in progress and we are making progress. Great progress.
From where you are, how can you make meaningful contribution to the music industry back home, especially with technology available to you?
There is so much one can do but the mantra must still remain “It begins with me”. I try to share my knowledge with the folks I work with and more importantly, the advent of technology like you mentioned makes it easy. As part of Savage Music, we help with digital distribution and marketing.
Between Wizkid and Davido, who will you say is really representing Africa in afrobeat?
They both bringing the love and attention the genre deserves. Great ambassadors I must say.
If Fela were alive, who between the two do you think he would rate as best for now? From either the two or others you can think of?
Hahahahah, if Fela were alive, Fela would do what Fela knows is best.
How’s your love life?
At least, “Million” is about women and love.m very straightforward! I ben love and also in women. So my love life is amazing.
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Eight Stabbed, Hundreds Arrested at Notting Hill Carnival

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Police officers make an arrest at the Notting Hill Carnival in west London on August 26, 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

 

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that eight people were stabbed and hundreds were arrested during last weekend’s Notting Hill Carnival, one of the world’s largest street festivals, held annually in west London.

In an update on their policing operation late Monday, the Met reported that five people were stabbed on the final day of the three-day celebration, which is internationally renowned for its vibrant display of British Afro-Caribbean culture.

This followed three other stabbings on Sunday. Three of the victims were left in life-threatening conditions.

Police made at least 230 arrests on Monday alone, including 49 for possession of an offensive weapon.

These arrests added to the scores of others made earlier in the weekend. In addition to the arrests, three firearms were seized, and 35 officers sustained injuries during the event, which attracts around a million attendees every August bank holiday weekend.

The number of arrests and incidents this year closely mirrors last year’s figures when there were 10 stabbings and approximately 300 arrests.

Despite the heavy police presence, with around 7,000 officers deployed, the carnival was once again marred by violence, particularly knife crime. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of revellers enjoyed the event without incident, filling the streets of Notting Hill with colour, music, and dancing.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Ade Adelekan expressed his frustration over the recurring violence, noting that a woman attending the carnival with her child was among those stabbed.

“We only very narrowly avoided a fatality,” he said, urging attendees to report any crimes they witness.

The Notting Hill Carnival, a celebration of British Afro-Caribbean culture, has its roots in the 1950s, following the post-World War II influx of immigrants from former British colonies.

The annual event is known for its feathered dancers, steel bands, and earth-shaking sound systems, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the Afro-Caribbean community in the UK.

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Portable Granted Bail After Night in Police Cell Over ₦14m Debt

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Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable. Photo: @portablebaeby/Instagram

 

The Lagos State Police Command has freed renowned street artist, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, following a night spent in police detention.

Portable was apprehended on Tuesday in Lagos’ Abule Egba vicinity for purportedly defaulting on the balance payment for a G-Wagon vehicle he had purchased from an auto dealer.

Reports suggest that although the ‘Zazoo Zeh’ maestro acquired the vehicle valued at ₦27 million, he only disbursed ₦13 million, leaving a ₦14 million outstanding balance.

In footage that went viral, Portable was observed scaling a gate as law enforcement officers approached him with an arrest warrant.

Subsequently, another video emerged depicting him being restrained, handcuffed, and conveyed by approximately four policemen into a waiting vehicle.

During the altercation, a female voice, purportedly that of the car dealer, was heard in the background, issuing profanities and recounting Portable’s alleged threats when confronted about settling the debt.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Portable was released on bail on Wednesday after spending Tuesday night in police custody.

He further disclosed that both Portable and the car dealer are expected to reconvene at a later date.

“He (Portable) has been released; he was granted bail on Wednesday to come back with the complainant later,” Hundeyin stated, stressing that “the outcome of that meeting will determine our next line of action.”

This incident marks not the first encounter between the singer and law enforcement.

In April 2023, Portable was detained by the police in Ogun State and arraigned on five charges related to alleged assault and theft at the Ifo Magistrate Court, in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Subsequently, he was held at the Ilaro Correctional Centre before being released upon meeting bail conditions.

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Autopsy Results Fail to Determine Cause of Mohbad’s Death

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In a recent inquiry into the untimely demise of Nigerian musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, held at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Sunday Osiyemi, a Forensic Scientist and Pathologist, revealed that the results of the autopsy conducted on the deceased failed to unveil the cause of death.

Speaking before Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, who presided over the coroner’s inquiry, Prof. Osiyemi cited various factors contributing to the inconclusive findings, notably the significant decomposition of the body due to the extended delay of 21 days before the autopsy was performed.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, representing Mohbad’s family, emphasised that according to the pathologist, the body should have been exhumed within 12 hours post-burial to prevent decomposition, a critical factor in determining the cause of death.

Shittu further elucidated that the pathologist referenced the administration of certain drugs to Mohbad before his demise, suggesting a potential correlation between the drugs and the difficulties encountered in pinpointing the cause of death.

“He also went further to say that it may be attributed to reactions to certain drugs administered on him before he died. Again he then qualified that to say he does not know whether it is those drugs that actually led to his death,” Shittu stated.

With the cause of death remaining elusive, the coroner adjourned the proceedings to June 11th for further examination and cross-examination of the pathologist’s findings, signaling a continuation in the quest for answers surrounding Mohbad’s untimely passing.

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