Culture

Co-founder of Senegal’s Toure Kounda band, Ismaila Toure, dies at 73

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2023

The co-founder of popular Senegalese musical group, Toure Kunda, Ismaila Touré, has died at the age of 73 following a long battle with illness.

A statement by his family on Wednesday, said Touré died, his on Monday, February 27, after battling health issues for several years.

“Ismaïla died this morning, at the age of 73, following a long illness in Paris,” one his daughters wrote in a press release.

“He left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture. We are proud of his legacy and all the contributions he made throughout his life,” the statement said, adding that “guneral details will be communicated in due course.”

The Touré Kunda musical group, which Ismaila found with his brother, Touré Kunda, co-founded with his brother Sixu Tidiane, was an “emblematic group of the world-music, a laboratory of interbreeding between traditional African music and more rock or jazz tones,” local media describes the group.

“Touré Kunda was a pioneer of African music in the French speaking colonies of West Africa at the end of the 1970s, helped to revolutionise the music industry in Senegal.”

Formed in the late 1970s, the group launched its first album, “E’Mma” in 1980, which became an instant hit and shot the group to international limelight.

“In total, Touré Kunda released over a dozen albums during their career and performed at festivals and concerts around the world,” the media wrote.

“They were regular invitees to France to celebrate with their music, major events, such as the re-election of President François Mitterrand.”

Senegal President Macky Sall who expressed his sadness at the demise of the music icon, said on Twitter:

“Beyond his musical career, Ismaïla Touré, worked to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, and was a strong advocate for peace, social justice and equal opportunity.

“I am saddened to learn of the death of Touré, a member of the legendary Touré Kunda group. It’s a huge loss for Senegalese and African music.”

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Culture

Davido to donate N300m to orphanages to mark 32nd birthday

Published

21 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigerian Afro-Pop superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced plans to donate the sum of N300 million to different orphanages across the country and anti-drug advocacy initiatives to mark his 32nd birthday later this year.

The Grammy-nominated singer who revealed the plan in a post he shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, said he would donate the whopping sum to orphanages and charities that help young people to avoid drug addiction.

The “Unavailable” crooner added that the donation is intention to support vulnerable children at the orphanage and combat drug abuse among youths, and the funds will be split between orphanages and organizations working to prevent drug addiction.

He also assured his fans that details of the donation, including beneficiary organizations and distribution plans, will be made public soon.

“Once again on my birthday this year, we donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse & addiction. This year is N300m. Details to follow soon,” the multiple award-winning singer wrote.

Culture

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

Published

2 days 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.