Culture

Restaurant owned by Nigerian named among top 200 in South Africa

Published

2 years ago

December 8, 2022

A restaurant owned by a Nigerian entrepreneur, Ken Ayere, in South Africa, Hombaze African Cuisine, has been named in the top 200 best outlets in the country by the prestigious Restuarants Association of South Africa (RASA)/Rosetta Award committee.

Hombaze African Cuisine which serves African and finger-licking Nigerian meals prepared by Ayere and his wife, was nominated on Thursday from more than 85,000 outlets spread across the former apartheid enclave.

RASA, the organisers of the awards, in a letter of nomination delivered to Ayere, said Hombaze was nominated as a finalist for striving for service excellence and contribution to the uplift of the restaurant industry.

Part of the nomination letter reads:

“It is a recognition of the highest honours for service excellence and overall contribution to the innovation and upliftment of the industry.

“Your participation and involvement in the restaurant industry is valued and we thank you for the contributions you make to ensure its ongoing success,” the letter said.

The association also paid tributes to the management and members of staff of Hombaze for their passion, dedication and hardwork.

“As a token of acknowledgement, we recognise your passion, talents, dedication, commitment and hardwork for food and service of the highest standard.

“RASA is proud to be associated with restaurants of your calibre to be recognised and celebrated,” it said.

Ayere who has been residing in South Africa since 1996, has been described by many patrons of his restaurant as a worthy ambassador for his country who mentors other Nigerians in the country on decent living and entrepreneurship.

Ayere operates three restaurants in South Africa, including the flagship outlet situated in high-brow Sandton mall at the Nelson Mandela Square, and another in Pretoria.

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Culture

Chidimma Adetshina makes history as she emerges first runner-up for Miss Universe 2024

Published

4 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Chidimma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, made history as she finished as the first runner-up at the pageant.

The reigning Miss Universe Nigeria finished on the podium of the event held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Sunday morning after an electrifying final face-off between Nigeria and Denmark, as the two women looked poised to claim the crown.

Adetshina, who competed against over 120 contestants from around the world, delivered Nigeria’s best-ever performance in the prestigious competition.

The competition, which was described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.

A post by the pageant organizers on Instagram said:

“The final two! Nigeria and Denmark, two incredible women, one unforgettable moment.

“Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, ultimately won the crown taking over from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.”

The top five were rounded out by Miss Mexico, María Fernanda Beltrán Figueroa, in third place, along with contestants from Thailand and Venezuela.

This year’s pageant was celebrated as one of the most inclusive in Miss Universe history, featuring first-time entries from Iran and Somalia and an expanded lineup of 30 semifinalists, showcasing greater diversity and global representation.

Chidimma’s path to the Miss Universe Nigeria was controversial at best as she had previously entered the Miss South Africa pageant but withdrew following criticism of her nationality and allegations from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs concerning her mother’s documents.

She was later invited to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria and emerged as the winner of the beauty pageant ahead of 24 other contestants.

Culture

Tyla set to drop new single ‘Tears’ on November 20

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African “Ampiona” crooner, Tyla, is set to thrill her fans to her new single titled, “Tears’, which is set to drop on November 20.

According to a statement by her management team, Tyla’s fans should expect something different from the “Water” singer as she is set to release a brand-new single in collaboration with Coke Studio.

“This exciting partnership follows her announcement as part of the Coke Studio 2024 line-up alongside R&B star Usher Raymond in September,” the statement said.

Tyla who is fondly called the “Pretty girl from Joburg,” also took to her Instagram page to share the news with her fans.

Posting a snippet of the video on her Instagram story with the caption, “‘Tears’ coming November 20th! A song in partnership with @CocaCola”, confirming the November release date, she urged her fans to look forward to something different from what they are used to.

The brand has also shared on its social media platforms that Tyla will be performing this highly-anticipated single when she returns to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a special Coke Studio live event.

In an interview with Coke Studio, the 22-year-old singer shared how she breaks away from her original sound with “Tears”.

“I feel like in a lot of my songs, I’m dancing a lot. I really wanted a song where I could just sing, be more raw with people, and showcase my voice this time,” she said.

Snippets from the new single has showcases Tyla’s enchanting vocals, revealing a more vulnerable side that is different from her previous work.

“Breaking away from the amapiano and pop sound she’s best known for, Tyla embarks on an exciting new journey with this project,” one of the reviews said.

“Through “Tears”, she wants to connect with listeners in a raw, captivating way as she partners with Coke Studio to bring this new sound to life.’