Connect with us

Entertainment

Tems, Rihanna lose Oscar to India’s ‘RRR’

Published

on

It was a disappointing night for global sensation, Temilade Openiyi popularly known as Tems, and co-songwriters Rihanna, Ludwig Göransson, and Ryan Coogler at Sunday evening’s Oscars ceremony.

With the foursome losing the Academy Award for best original song, the viral dance song “Naatu Naatu” made Oscars history as the first song from an Indian film to snag the prize, thanks to composer M.M. Keeravani and songwriter by Chandrabose.

The win for the Telugu-language song followed an exuberant performance, including the famed “hook dance” steps from the crowd-pleasing film “RRR” rejigged for the Dolby Theatre stage.

Fresh off her career-spanning Super Bowl halftime performance, during which she revealed her second pregnancy, Rihanna performed her nominated song, ‘Lift Me Up’, in what was one of the night’s most anticipated moments.

Donning black and silver beaded wide leg pants with elbow-length black leather gloves, swathes of sheer tulle dripping with rhinestones cascaded over her baby bump, the superstar sang “Lift Me Up” from the sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

It was a soft but impassioned tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who starred in the original film before losing a battle with colon cancer.

Following Rihanna’s performance, the last of the evening, her partner A$AP Rocky cheered her on, raising a champagne glass to the global icon and mother of his children.

And Lady Gaga delivered a surprise performance she wasn’t originally slated to perform of her nominated song “Hold My Hand,” which she wrote for the Tom Cruise blockbuster sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”

After hitting the carpet in high-glamour Versace and heavy red-lipped, smoky-eyed makeup, Gaga stripped back her look to match her raw, sparsely-produced performance.

The versatile pop phenom who has already won an Oscar for her song “Shallow” from “A Star is Born” wore a black t-shirt and jeans ripped at the knee, capping off the look with Converse sneakers, a French braid and barely-there makeup.

Calling her song “deeply personal,” Lady Gaga offered a heartfelt message before launching into her set: “We need a lot of love to walk through this life.”

“We all need a hero sometimes there are heroes all around us in unassuming places,” she continued. “But you might find that you could be your own hero even if you feel broken inside.”

The 14-time Oscar-nominated songwriter Diane Warren joined performer Sofia Carson onstage to perform their nominated song “Applause” from the movie “Tell It Like a Woman.”

That preceded a bizarre performance featuring none other than David Byrne that aimed to achieve the level of wackiness in the film “Everything Everywhere All At Once” the night’s big winner.

The track “This Is a Life” also earned a nomination for best song, performed for the film by Byrne, Mitski and Son Lux.

Mitski did not join Sunday’s festivities, with “EEAAO” cast member Stephanie Hsu who earned a best supporting actress nomination for her role in the film taking the stage in her place, wearing, like Byrne, all white.

From martial arts choreography to googly-eyed back-up dancers to the infamous hot dog fingers, the staging was rife with references to the film including a visual of Raccacoonie, the film’s absurdist riff on animated classic “Ratatouille.”

Lenny Kravitz graced the Academy with his presence to deliver a touching, piano-driven version of his song “Calling All Angels” for the night’s in memoriam segment.

John Travolta choked back tears as he introduced Kravitz’s performance to honor those who’ve died over the past year Ray Liotta, Jean Luc-Godard and Angela Lansbury among them referencing his beloved “Grease” co-star and friend, the late Olivia Newton-John, with a play on her famous song “Hopelessly Devoted To You.”

Hollywood maestro John Williams whose iconic compositions include the scores to “Jurassic Park,” “Jaws” and “Star Wars” fell short of setting the record for oldest Oscar winner ever (though he’s still the oldest nominee).

At 91, his work on Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” was up for best score, his 53rd nomination but that prize went to Volker Bertelmann for “All Quiet on the Western Front.”

 

Channels

Entertainment

Fuji Icon Remi Aluko Set to Thrill Fans at Ojez Railway Recreation Center Ebute Metta on Friday

Published

on

By

 

 

Fuji music legend Remi Aluko is set to bring the house down at the highly anticipated Toitoi Concert this Friday, December 20, at the Ojez Railway Recreation Center, Ebute Metta. Returning to the heart of Lagos, where his storied career began over two decades ago, Aluko is ready to deliver an electrifying night of rhythm, energy, and nostalgia.

 

Known for his mastery of blending traditional Yoruba melodies with modern Fuji vibes, Aluko has built a reputation for high-octane performances and a soulful connection with his audience. At the Toitoi Concert, fans can expect a lineup of his classic hits alongside fresh, unreleased tracks that showcase his continued evolution as a Fuji icon.

 

Speaking at a media briefing, Aluko shared his excitement:

“This concert is personal for me. Ebute Metta holds so many memories, and I can’t wait to give my fans a night they’ll never forget. Come early for some surprises—it’s my way of showing appreciation for the love and support over the years.”

 

Chief Joseph Odobeatu, Chairman of Ojez Entertainment Group, echoed Aluko’s enthusiasm, highlighting the venue’s significance as a cultural hub:

“The Ojez Railway Recreation Center is more than just a venue—it’s a place of history and celebration. We’re thrilled to host this landmark event and are committed to providing a secure and festive atmosphere for all music lovers.”

 

The Toitoi Concert promises to be more than just a musical event—it’s a celebration of Fuji culture, bringing together fans from all walks of life. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Aluko’s career or a newcomer to Fuji music, this concert offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage and modern vibrancy of the genre.

 

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to groove with Remi Aluko in an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and celebration. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to make memories at the Toitoi Concert!

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Photos From The Star Studded Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0

Published

on

By

Continue Reading

Entertainment

COSON MEMBERS CELEBRATE BUMPER =N=465.5 MILLION ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION!

Published

on

By

 

It was singing, jubilation and merriment this Tuesday, December 10, as members of Nigeria’s No 1 copyright collective management organization, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), approved a 2024 royalty distribution of a whopping =N=465.5 million for COSON members and associates. Following the approval, the distribution which is the highest in the history of the organization, began immediately as several COSON members started receiving bank alerts on their phones while still at COSON House.

They came from the East, the West, North and South of Nigeria: gaily dressed musicians who stormed Oluwaleimu Street, in the Allen Avenue Area of Ikeja where the magnificent COSON House stands sparkling in the sun, and in which COSON’s 2024 Annual General Meeting took place.

The AGM practically turned into a carnival as the former President of PMAN and Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, who presided at the General Meeting, delivered a moving address which he titled, “the COSON Spirit”.

 

The celebrated copyright warrior was praised repeatedly by joyous COSON members after delivering his speech in which he said, “We have deployed the law, like no other organization in the history of Nigeria, to form a bulwark against the people, in and out of government, who have tried everything to hijack and plunder COSON or if they fail, to kill COSON. You know the modus operandi of the vampires among our citizens: they grab every good thing in Nigeria for themselves, their friends and families with no thought for the millions of other people in our country. They are not satisfied with owning one house. In a nation where millions do not own even a hut, they grab what belongs to all of us and build 735 duplexes for themselves alone and want more as if they have a contract with the Almighty that they will never die.

“I wish to state that I have been to practically every court in the land, have mounted the witness box and testified, and have won victories on behalf of COSON that many had thought were impossible. We have retained the services of four first class senior advocates and several other senior lawyers.

“Without the decisions of those distinguished Judges of the Courts who remain committed to truth and justice, COSON, this great pan Nigerian organization that has become the nation’s most formidable agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the creative industry, would have since been sucked dry and wiped away.“

With sadness in his voice, Chief Okoroji said, “Fellow members of COSON, let me state that I verily believe that in these hard times, we could have done more, much more for the musicians of Nigeria. It is a paradox that the institution established by the state to enable us to soar and achieve great results for our nation, conspired with carpetbaggers and fraudsters to become the greatest obstacle to our progress and success. But… we continue to fly, due to the unbreakable COSON Spirit”.

In his speech, the COSON Chairman thanked the Management led by General Manager, Mrs. Bernice Eriemeghe Ashibuogwu, for their contribution to the success of the society,

Identified at the AGM were such persons as the President of the Creative Industry Group, Amb. Felix Duke; President of the Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN), Eng Sharon Wilson; Afro Juju music super star, Sir Shina Peters; Reggae Music giant, Righteousman Erhabor; celebrated female singer, Stella Monye; Pop Music sensation, Alex O; Gospel Music Minister, Kenny Saint Brown; Showbiz Impresario, Koffi Da Guru, Popular entertainment die-hard, Steve Black and many more.

Also present were members of the COSON Board such as Abuja based, Chief Uche Emeka Paul, a workhorse of the Catholic Charismatic Music Ministry; Enugu based music toaster and publisher, Angus Power Nwangwu; Oge Kimono, first daughter of the unforgettable Rub-A-Dub Master, Ras Kimono who himself was a COSON die hard, before his death; renowned drummer, Richard Cole, famed producer Zdon Paporella and Gospel Music Minister, Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi.

Hundreds of COSON members joined the jubilant AGM on-line via Zoom.

Continue Reading

Trending