Culture

Tanzanian President Suluhu names ‘troublesome’ lion after rival Lissu

Published

2 months ago

August 27, 2024

The political rivalry between Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and her main opponent, Tundu Lissu, took a funny turn on Monday when she named a “troublesome” lion after the opposition leader.

President Samia, who was on a visit to the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA), was introduced to the unruly lion by officials who described the animal as very troublesome.

While responding to the officials, the President reportedly said:

“Does that lion have a name? If not, name him Tundu Lissu. It is because he is always unsettled.’

When journalists later asked Lissu who is the leader of the main opposition party Chadema, what he thought of his new namesake, he took it in his stride and made a joke out of it.

“I come from a family of heroes. My great-grandfather killed a lion that attacked him and his cattle,” he said.

Lissu is unarguably Tanzania’s major opposition figure and a notable government critic. He ran
for office in 2020, but lost against the late John Magufuli. Samia, who was then the vice-president, became leader in 2021 after Mr Magufuli died while in office.

He was arrested earlier this year for attempting to hold a youth rally, which police say was intended to incite violence.

In 2017, Lissu survived a gun attack after his car was sprayed with over 17 bullets, but he escaped with heavy injuries.

Presidential elections are due next year and with President Samia planning to run for a second term, Lissu is also planning to run for president once again.

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Culture

South African tavern owner kills seven, self in deadly mass shooting

Published

1 day ago

October 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A South African tavern owner has reportedly killed seven people, including a three-year-old child, in a mass shooting in Gauteng Province, before turning the gun on himself.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, who confirmed the incident, said it happened during the early hours of Sunday, October 13, in the Mokokotlong informal settlement and is being investigated by police in Orange Farms.

Muridili said the incident was stoked after one of the victims went to the local tavern to buy alcohol but he found that it was already closed.

“He (the victim) had an altercation with the tavern owner and went back home. It is alleged that the tavern owner followed him home where the family members were still celebrating after lobola negotiations. The tavern owner entered the house and opened fire on the family members.

“He shot and killed seven people including a three-year-old boy (five family members, a neighbour, and a friend).

“Four people survived the shooting, two of them, a 31-year-old and a one-year-old boy were taken to hospital with injuries while a 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old did not have injuries,” Muridili said.

Muridili said the tavern owner then drove back to his home in Evaton where he then turned the gun on himself and shot himself.

‘He was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has registered seven counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an inquest,” Muridili said.

Culture

South African star Tyla grabs four MTV EMA nominations

Published

2 days ago

October 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

2024 is definitely a good year for South African “Ampiano” star, Tyla, as she continues to shine on the global stage after receiving four nominations for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

Tyla, who already boasts of an incredible catalogue full of awards, has scooped a Grammy, a Billboard R&B Award, and an MTV Video Music Award (VMA).

She has also received five nominations for the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and has more opportunities of scooping more awards with her latest nominations.

Tyla’s EMA nominations include Best New Artist, Best Afrobeats Artist, Best R&B Artist and Best African Act, making it her first-ever nomination for the EMAs.

Tyla who spoke on the new nominations, explained she was beyond grateful for the nominations and said it was “a dream come true to be recognised among such incredible artists.”

According to the South African, the “Water’ star has paved the way for African artists on the global stage, proven to be an inspiration for musicians across the continent, and been a key figure among African artists on the global stage.

“Tyla’s recognition in the Best Afrobeats category, in particular, is significant. It reflects the growing popularity of the genre globally, with artists like Burna Boy and Rema also nominated,” the entertainment platform wrote.

The EMAs will take place in Manchester on 10 November and fans can place their votes up until 6 November with Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, also nominated as “Best New Artist.”