Culture

Tunisia’s largest museum opens to public after closure

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

Tunisia largest museum, the Bardo National Museum, has reopened its doors to the public after it was closed since President Kais Saied suspended all parliamentary work on July 25th, 2021.

Saied’s decision to shut down the edifice seen as the fulcrum of Tunisian heritage and cultural tourism, was in response to intense violent confrontations between assembly members.

The museum which is housed in a 19th century Ottoman governor’s palace located near the parliament in Tunis, was reopened on Thursday with visitors allowed to view several giant antique mosaic pieces including depictions of the Roman god Neptune and Hercules and his wife, Omphale.

According to Tunisian Culture Ministry, the Bardo’s fame originates from its countless rare artefacts discovered during excavations undertaken in the North African since the XIXth Century.

It is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Tunisia which has been at the crossroads of many of the world’s renowned civilizations.

“It’s different from other museums because it exhibits artefacts, whereas other museums bring in statues from other countries and exhibit them,” a visitor, Selim Yahyaou, told journalists.

“On the other hand, we have everything at our feet and that is of great value compared with other museums in the world,” Yahyaou said.

During the closure, the management of the Bardo used the opportunity to renovate the edifice with several spaces enlarged, and some collections relocated, while new sections were also added, among them one dedicated to Islamic manuscripts.

The Bardo Museum has a tradition of organizing scientific seminars and meetings as well as welcoming young people for workshops with the youths learning more about moulding and Arab calligraphy for instance.

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Culture

Nicki Minaj eulogizes Davido for collaborating with her on new song

Published

3 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.