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Biggest Nigerian Event 2019: How Cardi B Came, Stooped, Conquered And Stole Hearts

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5 years ago

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By: Sandra Dickson Oyetayo

From the private jet that conveyed the 27-year-old Us rapper, Cardi B as she is popularly called, she began to melt hearts when she played the remix of Davido’s monster hit, ‘Fall’ and twerked on it. People’s head, as well as their hearts, went wild in joy. And Immediately Cardi B arrived in Lagos on Friday, December 6, 2019, she began to steal hearts. From her airport entrance with a broken nail and a typically Nigerian girl next door dress she came dressed in, we knew she was going to love her time here in Nigeria.

She came prepared. Nigeria and the 27-year-old US rapper have a lot in common. Nigerians are industrious. So is Cardi B. Both Cardi and the country were founded on a bedrock of hustling. She possesses the sturdiness, resilience, unapologetic, and the never-say-die spirit of a typical Nigerian. So it was like a walk in the park for her to identify and blend in.

Born as Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar to immigrant parents in Manhattan, Cardi B has had her path sewn from the bottom to the top. Despite all her struggles, not once did she allow life to stop her. Nigerians recognize and celebrate this resilience spirit. We are all about the hustle and getting ours.

The first video she made upon her arrival on Instagram from the view of her hotel room, that got Nigerians more endeared to her than before; she declared excitedly, “Mehn we are in Nigeria, yeah, no lies, this looks like the Dominican Republic, this looks like DR straight up.” A few moments later, she complained of the boogie service she was bombarded with at her lodge, she says: “I don’t want to eat hotel food, I want to see the real Nigeria. Take me to the ghetto. I want to eat, like, real Nigerian food. I want to eat all that fish, all that Jollof rice…”

She was later seen at a popular supermarket in Lagos, shopping in hundreds of thousands of naira for groceries, which she took to an orphanage home. At the orphanage, she mingled with the orphaned kids and the staff there. And later in the evening, she was at a club with a bottle of Guinness and rocking the dancers like no man’s business.

She even bluntly shunned Davido’s gift of expensive champagne and stuck to the common man’s choice; beer.

Cardi’s desire to have an unfiltered experience of the street culture instantly turned her into a national favorite.

When the day of the Cardi B’s debut concert in Lagos arrived. The whole country literarily showed up!

By 7 p.m., the concert street was already locked. There were gridlock of cars and humans, pushing for a chance to get closer to the action. Hawkers sold everything, with surprising speed and persuasive marketing. From food, water, blunt even a discounted bootleg ticket, as it hung from the pockets of street urchins.

It was a controlled madness: Women shaving past the bouncers, tickets elevated to gain entrance. People came from all classes and tribes, forfeiting cash, clearing their schedules, and booking their rides to catch a glimpse of Cardi. Not even Michael Jackson could have had such a rippled effect Cardi had on that day.

One woman described how she had to blackmail her bosom friend into procuring her the tickets, as she was dead broke herself and was desperate to attend the Cardi’s concert. Another says she leaned heavily on her boss at work for the show to become a reality, all for the love they have for her.

Cardi matched the enthusiastic energy of her Nigerian fans, with her first appearance dressed in the green-white-green colors of the national flag. A flag was draped over her mic stand. The women could not just stop shattering through recurrent scatterings of their excitements and all through the course of her performance, she made people, mean and women yell from their souls.

Cardi B came and offered love, reaffirmation, connection, resilience; she came and united with Nigerians in the global hustle that, Nigeria is the life!

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Nigerian Art Icons Lemi Ghariokwu and Ini Dan to be Honored at Ojez Forum on Sunday

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2 days ago

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February 21, 2025

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A celebration of artistic excellence is on the horizon as the February edition of the Ojez Forum pays tribute to two giants of Nigerian art: Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. The event will be held this Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Lemi Ghariokwu, also known as Emmanuel Sunday, is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking album cover designs. He is most recognized for his extensive collaboration with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, creating the artwork for 26 of Kuti’s albums. Ghariokwu’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and socio-political messages, reflecting African identity, activism, and cultural pride. His prolific career includes designing over 2,000 album covers for artists around the globe, including iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, and Lucky Dube. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

Otunba Akang Ini Dan is the Managing Director and CEO of Fodak Production. He is also the founder and chairman of the Sister Heart and Visual Foundation, organizations dedicated to developing artistic talent and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As Vice President (South West) of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Otunba Dan has been a champion for artists’ rights and a facilitator of platforms for artistic expression.

 

The Ojez Forum is a monthly event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Nigeria. This month’s gathering promises to be a special occasion, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and patrons to celebrate the accomplishments of Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the vibrant landscape of Nigerian art.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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5 days ago

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February 18, 2025

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

 

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

 

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

 

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

 

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

 

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

 

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

 

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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1 week ago

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February 15, 2025

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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