Culture

Tunisian Muslims join hundreds of Christians in interfaith procession for peace

Published

1 year ago

August 16, 2023

The annual Feast of the Assumption in Tunisia took a whole new dimension when hundreds of Muslims in the country joined their Christian counterparts in an interfaith ceremony outside the capital where the sermons harped on peace and tolerance.

During the Feast which held at Tunis’ La Goulette suburb on Tuesday, Catholic faithful and Muslim participants marched behind a Madonna statue as it was carried to the town hall where they were recieved by the Catholic Archbishop of Tunis and the Bishop of Trapani, Italy, Archbishop and Bishop of Trapani, Pietro Maria Fragnelli, who delivered sermons alluding to Tunisia’s tense migration politics and the recent riots that have led to the death of more than five persons in Sfax.

“Let us not forget that the statue of the Virgin Mary made the journey from Trapani to La Goulette 100 years ago where she was so well received and respected,” he said.

“We are delighted that the Madonna can walk the streets to bless all the inhabitants of La Goulette and Tunisia. This procession aims to show that La Goulette and Tunisia are a model of coexistence between religions and countries of origin,” he added.

Hundreds of Catholics, including many black Africans, and Tunisian Muslims took part in the procession behind a statue of the Virgin, to call for “living together” after strong tensions in the country around the issue of migrants.

The tradition of the Assumption march dates back to the mid-19th century when La Goulette was home to Sicilians, Sephardic Jews, Maltese, Greeks and Spaniards. It was started by Sicilian fishermen.

The ceremony was halted by Tunisian officials in 1964 but was revived in 2017, and since then, the Virgin Mary figurine has been carried slightly farther from Tunisia’s oldest church which was consecrated in 1879.

Related Topics:Christians Feast of Assumption Featured Interfaith Procession Muslims Tunisia

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Culture

Nicki Minaj eulogizes Davido for collaborating with her on new song

Published

18 minutes 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.