Entertainment
Family Sets Dec 15 for Burial of Gospel Singer Sammie Okposo
The funeral arrangements for gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, who died on November 25, 2022 at the age of 51, have been released by his family.
A tribute night will be held for him on Tuesday, December 13 in Lagos State, followed by a service of songs on Wednesday.
The funeral service for Okposo will take place on December 15 and will be private affair.
Okposo’s manager, Hillary Vincent, revealed to The PUNCH on November 27, that the singer died in his sleep as against earlier speculations that he slumped.
Vincent had said, “It is not true that Sammie slumped and died. That report is false. At the right time, the family will set the records straight. But, I can tell you authoritatively that he did not slump. Rather, he just did not wake up from his sleep.”
Sammie Okposo started his music career as a soundtrack producer for Nollywood in 1992. He was well-known at that time in the small circle of Nollywood actors and producers.
He later began to get more career flashpoints when he started the Sammie Okposo Praise Party, a platform that brought many up-and-coming Nigerian gospel artistes into the scene.
The Niger Delta-born music star was known for emboldening the gospel music scene by taking his music away from the quiet confines of the church.
He released his first album Unconditional Love in 2000.
Forbes has named American rapper, Sean Carter aka Jay-Z, as the greatest rapper of all time.
The publication recently released its 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list, celebrating the best in the hip-hop world.
Jay-Z topped the list, followed by Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, and Tupac at numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Eminem complete the top 10.
Also on the list are Andre 300 (11), The Notorious B.I.G (12), Missy Elliott (13), Chuck D (14), A$AP Rocky (15), Lil’ Kim (16), Tyler, the Creator (17), Snoop Dogg (18), Ghostface Killah (19) and Common (20).
Popular names in hip-hop like 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Juice WRLD, Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre, Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes, Future, Childish Gambino, Bad Bunny, Pusha T, Cardi B and Young Thug, rank at number 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 40, 46, 48 and 49, respectively.
The British music icon, Sir Elton John, has shared a heartbreaking revelation on the loss of his eyesight after battling a severe infection.
Elton John disclosed this during a recent public appearance at the charity gala performance of The Devil Wears Prada: “The Musical,” staged at the London Dominion Theatre on Sunday.
The 77-year-old, whose revelation stunned many at the gala performance, said he did not watch the show due to his failing eyesight.
He said: “As some of you may know, I have had issues, and now I have lost my sight.
“I have enjoyed listening to the performance, even though I haven’t been able to see it.”
Sir Elton John even gave his husband, David Furnish, who was present at the event, credit for supporting him through the hardship.
“To my husband, who has been my rock, because I haven’t been able to attend many of the previews because, as you know, I’ve lost my vision, so it’s difficult for me to see them, but I love to hear them.
“And tonight it sounded great! Alright! I appreciate you coming,” he added.
The highbrow Banana Island in Ikoyi, Lagos, was literally transformed on Saturday night as Globacom joined the community to mark the commencement of the Yuletide season.
The company sponsored the community’s Starlight Night organized by the Banana Island Property Owners and Residents Association Lagos (BIPORAL).
The 2024 Starlight Night, which was the fifth in the series, was an evening to usher in the Yuletide season with families and friends as well as “a day to reflect on how the year has been, and be thankful for where we are under a beautiful weather”.
Globacom, in a statement, expressed delight in sponsoring the celebration to spread the festive cheer as well as the lighting of a Christmas tree and street light boxes across key locations around Banana Island.
“Christmas is a time for unity, joy, and togetherness, and as a company, we believe in contributing to the communities where we operate. This is our way of giving back and spreading joy and hope to our fellow Nigerians, especially as we prepare to enter the new year”, the company disclosed.
The special event brought together local residents, friends, community leaders, and corporate partners, and witnessed electrifying performances by entertainment groups, Art Afrique and SPAN.
Starlight night ended with Christmas fireworks which lit up the sky with dazzling bursts of colour and sparkle, adding a vibrant and festive glow to the celebrations.
The event will culminate in the illumination of street light boxes which will be strategically placed throughout the island’s key streets.
Globacom’s sponsorship of the Starlight Night has added a touch of festive season to the Banana Island neighbourhood, reinforcing the company’s commitment to bringing joy to Nigerian communities during the festive season.
