Lifestyle & Entertainment

How Being Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s Son Shaped My Life – Femi

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2022

NewTimes

How Being Fela Anikulapo Kuti's Son Shaped My Life - Femi

By John Michael Ojo
Legendary afrobeat singer and world-acclaimed saxophonist, Femi Kuti has disclosed how being the son of Nigerian afrobeat pioneer and social crusader, Fela Anikulapo Kuti affected him while growing up.

Femi who revealed this in a recent interview with popular media personality Chude Jideonwo on his talk show #withchude, noted that some of his teachers and schoolmates were harsh towards him due to their dislike for his father’s personality.

The 60-year-old multiple award-winning singer, added that the death of his parents and his tough life helped him to become a better person.

READ ALSO: Why I Want My Corpse Burnt When I Die – Femi Kuti

He said, “I’ve had low points. Don’t forget that the beatings of my father started when I was a teenager. Seeing him in prison, seeing his head broken, the blood on him. The school was depressing because you had both teachers that liked and didn’t like him.

“If I got in trouble with the one who didn’t like him, they beat me just because they didn’t like my father. If I don’t understand what you’re teaching, are you supposed to beat me? They had a vendetta against my father.”

The singer continued, “They didn’t like me because I was Fela’s son. They’d say, ‘your father is smoking igbo.’ I would retaliate with an insult too. So we would end up on the field fighting. I was always fighting.

“If I didn’t go through those moments, I’d probably not know what to do with my life. I’ve experienced death. The passing of my mother was the worst. She was my pillar. I was lost until like three-four years ago.

READ ALSO: Seun Kuti: Music, Politics, And Fela’s Legacy

“I would still wake up wanting to say good morning. I didn’t cry because I was expected to be the man. Then my wife goes and they write that Femi is going mad. It was a terrible moment that made me a better person.”

Femi Kuti who was recently honoured with a certificate of recognition by the Grammys in connection to his seventh studio album, “Legacy” written and produced by himself and his son Made Kuti, is one of the most distinguished Nigerian artistes in Africa.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

Soludo Reveals How Daughter’s Marriage Broke 142 Years Family Jinx

Published

4 months ago

August 11, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has revealed that the traditional marriage ceremony held on Saturday between his daughter Ifeatu Adaora Soludo and Arinze Ibekwe in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was the first of its kind among the Soludo’s family.

The elated former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and a father of four girls, who stated this in a post via his verified Facebook account said the birth of female children had been a major challenge in the family until he was blessed by God through four of such beautiful children.

The now viral post reads: “In the presence of my family, kinsmen, friends, and my in-laws from Onitsha, I gave out my lovely daughter, Ifeatu Adaora Soludo, to her heartthrob after all traditional rites had been met and certified in line with the customs of the Isuofia community.

“I celebrate this historic event for two reasons. First, God has graciously blessed the larger Soludo family with another such marital union after 142 years.

“This is largely due to the fact that female children have been a rarity in the past three generations of the Soludo family.

“To break that “jinx,” God has mercifully provided me with four beautiful daughters, whom I celebrate every day,” he added.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Popular Musician Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

Popular musician, Onyeja Onwenu is dead

Onyeka, 72, is said to have slumped on Tuesday night shortly perfuming at Mrs Stella Okoli’s birthday party in Lagos state.

It was also revealed that she was thereafter rushed to Reddington Hospital where she gave up the ghost.

VIDEO: At 70, Singer Onyeka Onwenu Recounts Early Life, Divorce

Though the deceased family is yet to issue any statement regarding the death of the singer as at the time of filing this report, an eyewitness who gave an account of what transpired, said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”

Onyeka Onwenu, born 31 January 1952, was a multi-talented singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge.

Onwenu will be remembered for her roles in movies such as government house, tyrant, half of a yellow sun and recently obara’m amongst others.

She is survived by two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

VIDEO: Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Is Not Dead – Family

Published

6 months ago

June 30, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The family of multiple award-winning Nollywood Actor, Olu Jacobs has debunked the rumors making rounds social media that the 82-year-veteran who has been dealing with dementia is dead.

This was made known by the family in a now viral clip to support their claims.

Also collaborating with the family claims via her official X handle formerly called Twitter, Kate Henshaw, a veteran in the Nigerian make believe industry asked why Nigerians keep wishing the thespian dead despite his contribution in the movie industry.

“HOW YOU PEOPLE PUT UP RIP POSTS ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS STILL ALIVE, YEAR IN YEAR OUT IS VERY SICKENING, TBH!!!

“You do this to this great man and his family ALL THE TIME!!

“It is all shades of wrong!!

” Stop for goodness sake!!

” UNCLE OLU JACOBS is ALIVE!!!,” she maintained.

On his part, Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the seventh assembly simply wrote: “Thank God for the news that Olu Jacobs is alive.”

Click link to watch video:

https://x.com/abazwhyllzz/status/1807437270309327010?t=AhOHUpZl4_w5zZsRqwgbsg&s=19