Author: Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Hope lost as Tobi Amusan fails to defend title in Budapest

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nigeria’s medal hopeful, Tobi Amusan failed to defend her World championship on Thursday evening, finishing 6th in the final of the women’s 100m hurdles. Two other Nigerian athletes had lost out in the semifinals of their 200m events. Tobi Express had a slow start and could not recover. She ran 12.62secs to place sixth in a race won by Jamaica’s Danielle Williams in 12.43secs. America’s Kendra Harrison was third in 12.44sec while her compatriot, Nia Ali finished 4thin 12.46secs. Amusan had made her third straight final in the 100m hurdler…

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Our love story, Demola Odulaja opens up on Farida Sobowale

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Demola Odulaja, the estranged husband of the Chief Executive Officer of House of Phreedah Body Care, Farida Abdulkabir popularly known as Farida Sobowale, has explained the reasons why he parted ways with the Lagos socialite after about two months of their elaborate wedding. Odulaja in an interview with a Yoruba social commentator, ArewaTopeFamous, on Tuesday via Instagram Live alleged that the break-up was not unconnected to Sobowale’s alleged promiscuity, lies, and covetousness, among others. Sobowale almost plunged into the lagoon at the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos after the marriage failed…

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FG sackss advertising panel over controversial ‘All Eyes on the Judiciary’ billboards

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Federal Government has disbanded the Secretariat of the Advertising Standard Panel due to its endorsement of billboards accused of attempting to manipulate the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal with the slogan: ‘All Eyes on The Judiciary.’ The Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, conveyed the dissolution of the Panel through a statement issued on Tuesday. The ASP, a Statutory Panel within the Council, is tasked with ensuring that advertisements adhere to the prevailing laws of the Federation and the Code of Ethics for advertising professionals.…

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9 things to do to convert your HND to Bachelor’s degree

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The National Board for Technical Education has unveiled an online top-up programme for Higher National Diploma holders to convert their certification to Bachelor’s Degree through online top-up for one year, with foreign accredited universities. The board disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by its Head of Media Unit, Mrs Fatima Abubakar. Abubakar said this was also to facilitate the progression of HND holders to higher degrees. Find below 9 step-by-step guides for HND holders to convert their certificates to a BSc certificate through…

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Shirtless Celebration: Celebs, fans beg daddy for ‘Agba baller’

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The internet is still very hot as Super Falcon’s Asisat Oshoala’s spectacular celebration of her winning goal against co-host Australia continues to dominate the social media space. The five-time African Player of the Year shared photos of the memorable moment and conveyed her father’s disapproval, stating, “My dad is definitely not happy with my choice of celebration but then again, life is a collection of moments.” In response, appreciative fans and celebrities have taken to social media to beg for forgiveness from Asisat Oshoala’s father after the Super Falcons striker…

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10 Things you can do to survive this economic hardship

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

It is no longer news that when faced with difficult socio-economic conditions, Nigerians often resort to desperate measures to cushion the resultant effects. Little wonder since President Bola Tinubu announced the discontinuation of the petrol subsidy during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, and the recent hike in the price of petrol, Nigerians have devised strategies to ameliorate the resultant effects. For years, the Nigerian government subsidised the price of petroleum products, especially petrol, and kerosene, to alleviate the burden of high costs on consumers. In the past, the…

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Knorr Jollof Fest elevates the Jollof experience in Lagos

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The second edition of the highly anticipated Knorr Jollof Fest took place on July 23, 2023, at the vibrant Muri Okunola Park in Lagos. This remarkable event was a true celebration of Nigeria’s beloved dish – Jollof rice, captivating the hearts and taste buds of attendees from all walks of life, and not even the rain could dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic participants who came out to have a good time. The Knorr Jollof Fest was an immersive culinary experience that delighted attendees with a variety of captivating activities…

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Sprint star Tobi Amusan charged for missing dope test

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has been charged by the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing doping tests. In a post on her Instagram page in the early hours of Wednesday, Amusan said the AIU claimed she violated its rule by “missing three tests in 12 months”. According to the AIU, an athlete who misses tests within a period of 12 months is guilty of anti-doping rule violation, and the penalty includes suspension for two years, which may be reduced to a minimum of one year depending…

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Street singer, Portable survives road crash

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Street hop singer Portable survived an auto crash on Wednesday that left his newly acquired G-wagon completely written off. A viral video showed the car which was damaged beyond repair on a busy road in Ogun State. Pedestrians, who had no iota knowledge on how the singer survived the accident, were taking photos from the scene of the accident. Speaking about the incident, the singer who came out unhurt, called on his fans and well wishers to thank God on his behalf, while boasting and fronting of replacing the damaged…

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Super Falcons plan World Cup opening game boycott over cancelled match bonuses

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Super Falcons are planning to stage a strike and boycott their opening game of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Dr Mohammed Sanusi told them their match bonuses for the competition had been cancelled by the federation. A camp source said the decision was taken after six senior players — captain Onome Ebi, Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Ohale Osinachi, Tochukwu Oluehi and Desire Oparanozie — held a lengthy meeting on arrival at the Mercure Resorts, Gold Coast, following Sanusi’s announcement. “We…

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Zukerberg’s Threads rival Twitter with over 10m users in first hours

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

More than 10 million people have signed up for Threads, Meta’s rival to Twitter, within the first few hours of its launch, the company’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Thursday. The app went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday and will run with no ads for now, but its release in Europe has been delayed over data privacy concerns. Threads is the biggest challenger yet to Elon Musk-owned Twitter, which has seen a series of potential competitors emerge but not yet…

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Boxing: Wilder assures of December date with Joshua

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

American heavyweight boxer and former WBC champion, Deontay Wilder has provided an update regarding the highly anticipated Saudi clash with Anthony Joshua slated for December 2023. Boxing fans have been sceptical about any rumoured big fight involving heavyweights recently, given the lack of high-profile match ups in the division so far this year. Talks are also ongoing for Wilder to take an interim fight against Andy Ruiz, though these appear to have reached a stalemate. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ assured 78SportsTV that the blockbuster bout with Joshua in the Middle East…

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DSS alleges plans to disrupt inauguration, warn trouble makers

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Department of State Services has disclosed that some elements are planning to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country. According to the service, these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens. In a statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunanya, the DSS urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country. The statement partly read, “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the…

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Full list: See who got what at AMVCA

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The 9th edition of the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held today, Saturday, May 20, 2023. The prestigious event, at the Eko Hotel, celebrated talents in the film world across Africa. Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor took home the Industry Merit Award for her admirable service to the industry. Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo grabbed multiple awards in different categories. Below is the list of winners: Best Actor in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series) Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi) – Best Actress in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series)…

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Why I wont pray for Murphy Afolabi -Islamic cleric

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yelma’e, has said Islam forbids him from praying for the departed soul of popular actor, Murphy Afolabi, because he mostly used his roles in movies to promote actions that are against the Islamic religion. The cleric, in a video clip posted on YouTube and reposted by @mufasatundeednut on Instagram on Thursday, said he would never pray for Afolabi because he usually acted as herbalist, among other roles forbidden in Islam. Noting that there was a need for religious teachers and students to start reflecting on the…

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Tobi Amusan bags Master’s Degree in US varsity

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Tobi Amusan, sensational World record holder, Tobi Amusan (OON), has added another feather to her well decorated cap, after bagging a Master’s of Arts in Leadership Studies and Sports Management at the University of Texas El Paso. The current Commonwealth and African champion in the 100m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in three competitions, also graduated from the same University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) named Amusan Africa’s Best Female Athlete for the Year in December…

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4th in a row: Another Nollywood actor dies

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nollywood actor Chikezie Uwazie has reportedly died after undergoing a brain surgery in the United States. The sad news of his death was announced by colleague, Obey Etok, via her Instagram page on Sunday. She wrote, “I can’t imagine I’m posting this. Chikezie Uwazie goneeeee!!!. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. I’m so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform. “I thought you told me you were going to the States for greener pastures. You promised to come back some…

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IGP orders arrest, prosecution of Ṣeun Kuti

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Alhaji Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered the arrest of Afrobeat musician and son of late music legend, Seun Kuti, over an alleged assault of a police officer in Lagos. The IG has equally ordered a speedy and full investigation into the remote and immediate cause(s) of the alleged assault and prosecution of the suspect accordingly. This was as the musician alleged attempted murder of himself and his family by the police officer in question, in a social media post obtained by our correspondent on Saturday night. Speaking…

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Actor, Saint Obi is dead

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, otherwise known in the movie industry as Saint Obi, has passed away. This newspaper gathered that the ailing actor died about a week ago but the family chose not to announce his death for reasons yet to be ascertained. The actor is said to have battled an undisclosed ailment for sometime and was reported to have relocated to Jos, the Plateau State capital for further treatment of the ailment that had kept him in and out of the hospital for over two years.

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Confusion as Britain records Baby with DNA from three persons

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A baby has been born having three people’s deoxyribonucleic acid for the first time in Britain. Most of the child’s DNA came from their two parents but about 0.1 per cent was from a third person, another woman. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said “less than five” babies have been born in the United Kingdom this way, but no further details have been released to protect their identity. The scientific technique is designed to prevent children from being born with devastating mitochondrial diseases. These are long-term, genetic and often…

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Why I was deported from Dubai -Bobrisky narrates ordeal with Immigration

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, has disclosed that he was deported from the United Arab Emirates because he looked different from the photo on his passport. Bobrisky disclosed that on arriving at the airport in Dubai, he was sent back to Nigeria because of the country’s Islamic laws which prohibit cross-dressing. He said he has been to Dubai several times but was deported that fateful day because it was on a jumʿah day. The cross-dresser was featured on the recent episode of the TokeMoments audiovisual podcast…

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CAN calls out Peak Milk, threatens boycott over offensive Easter advert

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Nigeria’s topmost dairy company and makers of Peak Milk has incurred the wrath of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over an offensive Easter advert that has sparked outrage among Christians in the country. In the controversial advert, the company used the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a metaphor to promote their product on Good Friday, a move that CAN describe as “totally unacceptable” to the Christian population. The General Secretary of CAN, Barrister Joseph Daramola, warned the company to retract the advert, tender an apology…

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Lampard returns to Chelsea as interim manager

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Frank Lampard made a surprise return to Chelsea as caretaker manager until the end of the season on Thursday, just over two years after he was sacked by the Premier League club. Lampard, Chelsea’s record goalscorer, previously managed the Blues from July 2019 until January 2021, when he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel. The 44-year-old’s unexpected move back to Stamford Bridge came after Tuchel’s successor Graham Potter was dismissed on Sunday with the club in the bottom half of the Premier League. “We are delighted to welcome Frank back to…

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Portable arraigned for assault, granted bail

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Singer Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable has been granted bail by a High Court in Ifo, Ogun State. Portable landed in police custody on Friday, March 31, 2023, after his engagement with police officers at his bar, during which one of them was allegedly injured. The singer was subsequently arraigned in court on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had said the controversial singer would face more than six charges in court. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has stated that the controversial singer, Portable, will…

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FIFA Women’s World Cup: HotSports awaits Trophy Tour to unveil big plan for Super Falcons

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Renowned sports marketing company, HotSports says it is at an advanced stage of baking an elaborate plan for a huge boost from Corporate Nigeria for the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons’ campaign at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer. “I am happy at the conversation we have had with the NFF President, which centred on doing something special for the Super Falcons around the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” HotSports President/CEO, Mr. Taye Ige said after a meeting with the President of…

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‘We are done with each other: Basketmouth announces break-up with wife

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Bright Okpocha, the veteran Comedian, popularly known as Basketmouth, on Thursday, announced a breakup with his wife, Elsie Okpocha. The PUNCH had earlier reported that Basketmouth celebrated Elsie’s 44th birthday anniversary around September but failed to celebrate their annual wedding anniversary which usually comes up in November. Taking to his verified social media to announce their divorce, Basketmouth wrote, “As much as it pains me to bring my personal life to the public space, this is an unavoidable situation. “After much deliberations, my wife and I have made the difficult…

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Messi crowns glorious career with World Cup as Argentina beat France

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Thirty-six years after Argentina’s ‘god,’ Diego Amando Maradona, led his country to win their second FIFA World Cup title, his heir, Lionel Messi, yesterday at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar, entered the global football immortality list when he motivated another group of players from the South American country to another Copa du Mundo glory. But success came in the worst possible manner for a team that had waited for so long for football’s holy grail. The Argentines raced into a first half 2-0 lead and controlled the final so well, that…

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Social media can run you mad, psychiatrist warns

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

A psychiatrist and first female president of the association of psychiatrists in Ogun State, Dr. Mrs Taiwo Adamson, has raised the alarm over the effects of social media on the mental health of youths. The psychiatry expert warned that social media could kill and affect human mental health. The former president of association of psychiatrists in the state said this while speaking at the second edition of a debate competition named after her, tagged, ‘Dr. Adamson Secondary School Annual Debate Competition’. According to her, social media had made countless people…

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LASAA launches 2023 mobile advert stickers for branded vehicles

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), the agency saddled with the mandate to regulate advertisement displays in Lagos State, has announced the release of its 2023 mobile advert stickers for branded vehicles in the state. Managing Director of LASAA, Prince Adedamola Docemo, in a statement in Ikeja yesterday, stated that the new and improved mobile advert e-sticker will be in force effective from the 1st of January 2023, a development that will render the 2022 sticker invalid. He reiterated that, just like last year, the agency has fully deviated…

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Sterling refreshes romance with the Arts at Ake Festival

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Sterling Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, has said it is committed to supporting the annual Ake Books and Arts Festival because it sees Nigeria as part of a larger world and believes that Nigeria’s ultimate competitiveness lies in its energy.   Executive Director at Sterling, Yemi Odubiyi, who disclosed this over the weekend in a goodwill message at the opening of the 10th edition of the Ake Books and Arts Festival said Nigeria can become a leader in the world and its creative people as part of its competitiveness.…

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Why I kicked Kanye West out of Twitter -Elon Musk

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Elon Musk on Friday kicked Kanye West off Twitter “for incitement to violence” after the rapper posted a picture that appeared to show a swastika interlaced with a Star of David. The post came hours after an interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, in which West sparked outrage by declaring his “love” of Nazis and admiration for Adolf Hitler. West had also shared a picture of a shirtless Musk getting sprayed with water, tweeting, “Let’s always remember this as my final tweet.” In response, Musk said, “Just clarifying that his…

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Zenith Bank brings Christmas to life, lights up Ajose Adeogun

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

It was a great spectacle to behold as the Christmas and Yuletide season came to life at the 2022 Zenith Bank Christmas Light-Up Ceremony, which was held at the Ajose Adeogun Street Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The official lighting ceremony, which was performed by the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, supported by Executive Management, was witnessed by many of the bank’s staff and customers, with others joining virtually. With the theme “Let There Be Light”, this year marks the 16th…

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61st FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship tees off

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

In furtherance of its commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that the 61st edition of the FirstBank sponsored Lagos Amateur Golf Championship has been scheduled to tee-off at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Friday 18th, to Sunday 20th of November 2022. To be played over 54-holes (3-days), the FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) listed competition that attracts the best golfers from the amateur scene, not only in Nigeria but across…

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Twin Brothers bag first class in law from University Of Ibadan

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The Sanuade twin brothers, Taiwo and Kehinde, have graduated with first class degrees in Law from the University Of Ibadan. Taiwo shared photos from their convocation while expressing gratitude with honour to Jesus Christ for imparting, equipping. He wrote: “Happy Convocation to us: SANUADE, Taiwo David (LL.B) (UI) (First Class Honours). SANUADE, Kehinde Daniel (LL.B) (UI) (First Class Honours). “Thank you Jesus. The honour of this is for Jesus who has graciously given us wisdom and the necessary resources to pull this through

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Man U retaliate, tear Ronaldo’s poster from Old Trafford

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Manchester United have started taking action against Cristiano Ronaldo over his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, in which he blasted several aspects of the club. According to Express Sport, workers have been spotted tearing a large poster featuring Ronaldo from the side of Old Trafford, stirring transfer speculation further. The 37-year-old has made an aggressive play to leave United by joining ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ to unleash his pent-up fury on the club. He claimed the Glazer family ‘didn’t care’ about sporting success, admitted he ‘didn’t respect’ manager Erik ten Hag…

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Adefarasin officiates as Ex-US President, Donald Trump’s daughter marries Naija boy, Michael

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Tiffany Trump, the daughter of former United States President, Donald Trump, married her lover, a Nigerian-bred Michael Boulos, on Saturday. Senior pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin and his wife Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin, attended the wedding ceremony. Boulos is the son of Lebanese business tycoon Massad Boulos. Boulos was brought up in Lagos, Nigeria as well. Earlier on Friday, Pastor Adefarasin had blessed the couple at a pre-wedding event organised by Tiffany and Boulos. Taking to his verified Instagram page on Saturday, he said, “Yesterday (Friday), I…

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Kizz Daniel, only African artiste to perform at Qatar 2022 World Cup

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Kizz Daniel, Buga hitmaker and popular Nigerian singer has been confirmed as one of the headlines performing artists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The World Cup organizers, FIFA, made the confirmation on Friday as they listed the five official performing artists for the event. In FIFA’s list of headliners for the FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup, Kizz Daniel is the only African artist performing alongside five international award-winning singers. For the lineup, American DJ and Music Producer, Diplo, will perform on November 22 while Kizz Daniel’s…

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