Culture

South African university denies conferring PhD on Malawian musician, Patience Namadingo, two others

Published

1 year ago

November 8, 2023

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has denied conferring honorary doctorate degrees Malawian musician, Patience Namadingo, a socialite and community activist, Phemphero Mphande and one other person identified as Mansoor Sharif Karim.

The denial by the country’s biggest university came after Mphande posted on his X account that he was conferred with a doctorate in recognition of his humanitarian efforts, which he claimed led to raising over 200 million for those in need, without specifying the particular currency of the funds raised.

“Today at UNISA in RSA, I was awarded honoris causa a Doctorate degree in community development in recognition of the Humanitarian work that have seen us raise over 200 million for the sick and others in need. This Honorary PhD belongs to all of us that do charity work together.

“This Honorary PhD belongs to all of us that do charity work together,” Mphande wrote and attached a picture of himself in red robes.

But in denying the award, Unisa, in a statement, said they had not conferred any degrees on the three.

“These three individuals are also not amongst the candidates considered and approved for the awarding of honorary doctorates in 2020, 2021, and 2023,” the institution said.

“Neither have they ever been nominated, considered, or approved for such honours at any period whatsoever. No honorary degrees were awarded in 2022.”

The university said those it conferred honorary doctorates upon went through a “strict and controlled process, which included nominations and approvals through various bodies in the university before it went to council for approval.”

“Once approved, the recipient would be conferred in full view of all attendees, and the vice-chancellor or chancellor would confer the honorarium,” the statement which was issued by the school’s acting Registrar, Professor Moloko Sepota, said.

It also condemned the three for misusing the university’s name in such “fraudulent conduct”.

“Relevant officials within the university have been directed to look into this matter and ensure that these individuals are held to account and also made to retract any false claims,” Sepota said.

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Culture

Nicki Minaj eulogizes Davido for collaborating with her on new song

Published

4 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.