Nigeria News (Standard)
French Institute Urges Increased Support for Live Music, Emerging Artists at Abuja Event
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and performers converged on Team Compound in Abuja on Saturday as the French Institute marked World Music Day with a call for stronger backing of live music and upcoming artistes. The event, which drew a diverse crowd from across the Federal Capital Territory, highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s creative sector and underscored the need for sustained support.
The celebration featured live performances from both established acts and emerging talents, providing a platform for artistes to showcase their craft. Organisers said the event aimed not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the pressing issues confronting musicians and the broader entertainment industry in Nigeria. According to participants, limited access to funding, inadequate venues, and lack of institutional support continue to hinder growth in live music.
Stakeholders present at the occasion stressed that increased investment from both government and private sector is essential to nurture new talent and preserve Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. The French Institute noted that collaborative efforts between cultural bodies, policymakers, and investors would create more opportunities for young artistes. “Supporting live music is not just about entertainment; it is about sustaining our cultural identity and creating jobs,” an organiser said during the event.
No government representative was immediately available for comment on proposed policy changes or direct support for emerging artistes. However, industry observers say targeted interventions—such as grants, infrastructure upgrades, and promotion of local content—could help address existing gaps. The opposition could not be immediately reached for their reaction.
As momentum builds around initiatives like World Music Day, many in Nigeria’s creative community are hopeful that sustained advocacy will lead to concrete reforms. Stakeholders say improved support structures could boost employment, enhance international recognition of Nigerian music, and strengthen cultural ties within West Africa.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
AFRIMA President Mike Dada leads six-day visit to assess venues, meet Moroccan officials and creative industry leaders
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has commenced a six-day strategic engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of preparations for the 10th edition of the continent’s leading music awards. The delegation, led by AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada, arrived in Morocco’s economic capital on Friday, June 21, to meet with key government officials, corporate partners, media houses and stakeholders in the creative sector.
During the visit, which runs from June 21 to June 26, the AFRIMA team will evaluate hospitality facilities, transportation systems and major event venues across Casablanca. This assessment forms part of AFRIMA’s broader continental stakeholder engagement programme designed to strengthen partnerships and determine the city’s readiness to host future editions of the prestigious awards.
The Casablanca engagement follows previous Road to 10th Edition activations held earlier this year in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to organisers, one of the main highlights will be a Creative and Media Soirée at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, June 23. The event aims to foster pan-African collaboration among Morocco’s music industry professionals and provide a platform for cultural exchange across the continent.
Speaking ahead of the engagements, AFRIMA Director of Brand Communications and Sponsorship Matlou Tsotetsi said the visit underscores AFRIMA’s commitment to building stronger pan-African partnerships through music. “Casablanca remains one of Africa’s most important cultural hubs,” Tsotetsi stated. She added that engaging directly with Moroccan stakeholders is critical for promoting unity in Africa’s creative industries.
The delegation is also scheduled to participate in ongoing music festivals and entertainment events across North Africa as part of efforts to experience Casablanca’s vibrant creative ecosystem. Partners supporting the visit include Big Time Morocco, Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMIC), WeCasablanca, Royal Air Maroc and AFRIMA Ambassador for Morocco Ahmed Soultan. Further updates on preparations for the landmark 10th edition are expected after conclusion of facility inspections and meetings with Moroccan authorities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Ighalo says Houseman’s support opened doors to Europe after trials in Germany with Kim Ojo in 2007
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has attributed the breakthrough in his professional football career to the efforts of renowned scout Marcelo Houseman, who discovered him and facilitated his move to Europe. Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, Ighalo recounted how Houseman identified his talent while he was playing for Prime FC and Julius Berger, before securing trials for him and fellow Nigerian player Kim Ojo at Hertha Berlin in Germany back in 2007.
Ighalo explained that although Hertha Berlin initially showed interest only in him, Houseman insisted that both players deserved equal opportunity. The scout turned down offers he considered unfair, demonstrating a commitment that extended beyond mere scouting duties. According to Ighalo, Houseman invested time and resources to ensure young African talents like himself had the chance to succeed abroad.
The former Super Eagles forward said, “Houseman discovered Kim Ojo and me in Nigeria and took us to Hertha Berlin in Germany for trials when we were still unknown players. Hertha Berlin wanted only me, but Houseman insisted that both of us deserved equal opportunities and turned down offers he considered unfair.”
Ighalo’s successful move from Nigeria to Norwegian club Lyn set the stage for a 19-year professional journey across Europe and Asia, including stints at Watford, Udinese, Granada, Manchester United, and Al Hilal. The striker noted that opportunities like these remain rare for many aspiring Nigerian footballers due to lack of access and support from experienced scouts.
Houseman’s approach has been lauded by stakeholders as a model for nurturing young talents from Africa. With Nigerian footballers continuing to seek breakthroughs abroad, Ighalo’s story highlights the importance of dedicated mentorship and fair representation in opening global doors.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/marcelo-houseman-made-my-dream-possible-says-ighalo/
Nigeria News (Standard)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns Amid Labour Party Tensions After 2024 Victory
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
Starmer steps down less than two years after landslide win as Andy Burnham’s rise sparks Labour leadership contest
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, stepping aside as both UK prime minister and leader of the Labour Party following mounting internal pressure and declining support within his party. The announcement came outside 10 Downing Street on Saturday, 22 June 2026, less than two years after Starmer led Labour to a resounding general election victory in July 2024.
Starmer confirmed he will remain in a caretaker capacity until Labour selects a new leader. His decision follows days of speculation after Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester and recently elected Member of Parliament, emerged as a frontrunner to challenge for the party leadership. Burnham’s recent special election win was widely seen as the catalyst for intensified calls within Labour for a change at the top.
Although Starmer’s administration ended over a decade of Conservative rule in Britain, his government struggled to maintain public confidence due to economic stagnation, rising living costs, and concerns about the slow pace of public service reforms. Dissent grew within Labour ranks as some party members questioned whether Starmer could lead them to another electoral success. Recent opinion polls showed Labour losing ground to both the Green Party and Reform UK under Nigel Farage, with many progressive voters shifting allegiances.
Addressing supporters outside Number 10, Starmer said: “The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.” Burnham is expected to be sworn in as MP on Monday, further fuelling expectations that he could emerge as Labour’s next leader.
Starmer is now the sixth British prime minister in ten years to leave office before completing a full term, reflecting ongoing political instability in the United Kingdom since Brexit. US President Donald Trump commented on social media that Starmer had “failed badly on two very important subjects- immigration and energy,” while acknowledging his efforts on European cooperation and support for Ukraine. The outcome of Labour’s impending leadership race will determine who takes over as Britain’s next prime minister.
AFRIMA Delegation Begins Stakeholder Engagement in Casablanca Ahead of 10th Music Awards
Former Super Eagles Striker Ighalo Credits Marcelo Houseman for Launching His European Career
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns Amid Labour Party Tensions After 2024 Victory
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