Culture

Famous Ethiopian nun, Emahoy ‘Piano Queen’ Guèbrou, dies aged 99

Published

2 years ago

March 29, 2023

Prominent Ethiopian nun and renowned pianist and composer, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, has died at the age of 99, the country’s Ministry of Culture said on Wednesday.

The Ethiopian Sister who revolutionized the art of religion and music died peacefully in Jerusalem where she had lived reclusively in an Ethiopian monastery for nearly 40 years.

Popularly known as “The Piano Queen”, Guèbrou was ordained as a nun aged 21 and was among Ethiopia’s first classical pianists, the Ministry said in a statement.

In her lifetime, Guèbrou composed more than 150 original pieces of piano, organ, opera and chamber ensembles and her music has been used in Oscar-nominated documentaries and Netflix dramas.

“Born to a noble family, Sister Guèbrou was sent to a boarding school in Switzerland for ten years where she started her music studies. She then returned to Ethiopia and experienced life as a prisoner of war,” a citation released by the Catholic Church in Ethiopia reads.

“At the age of 19, Guèbrou fled the communist regime in Ethiopia to Jerusalem, where she worked for the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch.”

“Her most well-known compositions include “The Homeless Wanderer” and “The Mad Man’s Laughter.”

Guèbrou’s debut album, released in 1967, was accompanied by donations to those in need and was released when Ethiopia had a thriving jazz and classical music scene, while in 2006, compilation of her work was released on Buda Musique’s long-running Ethiopiques series, a French record label.

“She continued to utilise her music earnings to support Ethiopian children orphaned by war and established the Emahoy Tsege Mariam Music Foundation to aid underprivileged children in studying music,” it added.

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Culture

Nicki Minaj eulogizes Davido for collaborating with her on new song

Published

8 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

American rapper, Onika Maraj, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has poured encomium on Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, aka Davido, for featuring in her track, ‘If It’s Okay”, which, according to her, gave the song an authentic Afrobeats tempo.

Nicki, who expressed her gratitude to the Nigerian singer, had, on Friday, taken to her X page to show love to Davido by posting “Thank you Davido” along with the visuals of the track.

To further show her appreciation, Nicki, while responding to a question from an X user, Tae, said the “Unavailable” singer gave the track the Afrobeat feel.

Tae had written: “What drew you to Davido for the song ‘If it’s Okay’? In my opinion, he was an ideal choice for this incredible masterpiece! He was speaking that ish.”

Responding to Tae, Nicki wrote:

“That man is an incredible writer and melody maker. It’s always a pleasure working with him because of our mutual respect for one another.

“I asked him to be a part of it in order to bring out the Afro beats tempo/feeling in it a bit more. Naija to the world.”

The track, “If it’s Okay” is part of the 10th-anniversary special edition of Nicki Minaj’s iconic album “The Pinkprint”, which was originally released in 2014.

The commemorative edition features four brand-new tracks, including collaborations with Swae Lee (Turn Ya Cap Back), David Guetta and Davido (If It’s Okay), and the late Juice WRLD (Arctic Tundra).

Culture

South African DJ Black Coffee bags World’s Best DJ 2024

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African disc jockey, DJ Black Coffee, has been named the World’s Best DJ 2024 at the Golden Moon Awards.

Reporting on the award, prominent South African tabloid, IOL, wrote:

“All hail Black Coffee from South Africa, winner of the Golden Moon award for the World’s Best DJ 2024! Black Coffee has taken the global stage by storm, blending his unique Afro-house sound with deep, soulful grooves that resonate with audiences worldwide.

“A pioneer, a visionary, and a cultural ambassador, Black Coffee continues to inspire millions, pushing boundaries and connecting the world through his music. A truly deserving icon of this prestigious honour!”

DJ Black Coffee whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, was not the only local South African entertainer who was recognised at the awards as rising star, Palesa Desiree Shilabje, popularly known as DESIREE, was also named the World’s Breakthrough Artist 2024.

On DESIREE, the tabloid said:

“DESIREE’s rise to prominence comes from her ability to craft electrifying DJ sets that seamlessly blend genres—African-inspired house, deep house, techno, and soulful rhythms.

“Her passion for diverse sounds has landed her on some of the world’s most respected stages, like DC-10, fabric, and Hï Ibiza, bringing her deep African influences to a global audience.

“Beyond her music, DESIREE proudly represents the intersex community, using her platform to inspire and educate about her experience. A truly groundbreaking artist, DESIREE is already leaving an unforgettable legacy.”

The Golden Moon Awards are held every year to select the best 100 clubs in the world and to award prizes in different categories to the major players in nightlife, individuals, clubs and associations.