Culture

Nigerian police launches probe into ‘suspicious’ death of Afropop star, MohBad

Published

12 months ago

September 20, 2023

The police in Nigeria has launched a probe into what they called the “suspicious” death of Afropop music star, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

The 27-year-old Mohbad died in mysterious circumstances on September 12, and his death has thrown up lots of controversies, sparking widespread protests.

The demise and hurried burial of the talented young artiste have led to protests in several Nigerian cities, which prompted the Lagos State government to invite the police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to open an investigation into his death, with the first action being the exhumation of his body for an autopsy.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has personally intervened in the matter and has expressed his commitment to a comprehensive investigation.

“I have instructed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation,” the governor said in a statement he posted on social media.

The suspicious circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death had also led to a trending hashtag, #justiceformohbad on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), while many Nigerians have called for an investigation into the death of the music star.

Others have also called for the arrest and prosecution of his former mentor, Naira Marley, with whom MohBad said he had a feud following his departure from Marlian Records last year.

The backlash against Naira Marley also led to the ban of his songs by one of Nigeria’s largest radio stations, SplashFM, for the duration of the investigation.

The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through his fan base and the music community.

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Culture

Crocodiles eat South African man during hunt in Zimbabwe

Published

19 hours ago

September 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A 44-year-old South African man, Scott van Zyl, has been eaten by crocodiles after he went missing during a safari hunt in Zimbabwe.

Authorities say van Zyl who owns a professional hunting company in South Africa, reportedly disappeared on Friday on the banks of the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe.

Local media reports that the dogs he was hunting with returned without him and his rifle and personal items were intact in his pickup truck while a search team traced his tracks to the banks of the river and found his backpack.

“Police and park authorities decided to shoot two suspected Nile crocodiles and found what could possibly be human remains in them”, a member of the search party told reporters.

“The remains are reportedly being tested by forensic experts to verify if they belong to Scott van Zyl,” a Zimbabwean tabloid reported.

“Crocodile attacks are common near river banks with at least four people killed in Zimbabwe in the past month. In March, a 19-year-old Mozambican football player Estevao Alberto Gino was killed by a crocodile along the Zambezi river in western Mozambique.

“The crocodile came out of the water abruptly and took him by the waist. After that, the animal ran back into the water.”

Culture

Algeria to host Afreximbank’s CANEX 2024

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced that the 2024 edition of its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX 2024) will hold in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with the theme, “One People, United in Culture.”

According to a statement from the bank, the CANEX 2024, which is a premier event that showcases Africa’s vibrant creative and cultural industries, will be the major focus of the four-day event taking place from October 16-19.

“CANEX 2024 offers a unique platform for creatives from across the continent and beyond, to showcase their work, network with industry leaders, and explore business opportunities, including exhibitions, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, gastronomy showcases, music, dance, poetry, and other artistic expressions,” the statement said.

“Since the event was launched in 2020, it had committed a $1bn facility for Africa’s creative and cultural industries, and has deployed specialised products for financing some CCI sectors, including the Film Financing Development Facility and the Music Development facility.

“The bank has also identified key gaps in creative production value chains, and created interventions to bridge those gaps, with a focus on access to markets.

“The event will be a gathering of creatives, investors, and industry professionals from across the continent and the world over.

“CANEX WKND 2024 will feature an exhibition and market, roundtable discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and networking opportunities. The event is open to industry professionals, individuals, corporate investors, and governance bodies. It provides a unique platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and explore business and investment opportunities,” the statement added.