Entertainment
Salle: The Weird Transformation of a Once Street Hawker
By Eric Elezuo
Nigerians first saw her clutching a silver coloured aluminum tray with a faded wrapper across her shoulder. She was wearing a brown maid’s gown typical of the the job she did particular, and generally her background. Everything about Salle, whose real names are Kosisochikwu Gospel Peters, spoke loudly of unrewarding hustle. Her background was probably nothing to write home about. However, she had one thing that spoke louder above the voice of deprivation, which she endured; it was her voice. It was, and still is nothing short of angelic.
As the internet world watched her when Tunde Ednut posted her on the net, no one noticed her deprivation; no one noticed her hawking career; no one noticed that she was just a common everyday girl on the streets of Owerri, Imo State. The only thing was the voice she exuded; the candour she carried and the goose pimples that she drew from from bodies of listeners. Salle was made with that single video. Thanks to those who found her.
But today, the 17 years old has gone from the timid street hawker to a classy fast rising singer and song writer, promising the world of soul inspiring sounds. Not only she moved fast on the singing lane, her photos as Nigerians saw again depicted the appearance of absolutely someone else. She had a total makeover, appearing next to naked even as she is still pursuing stardom. This has got tongues waging as to whether her handlers took the right decision in portraying her they way the did. A lot has described her transformation as weird. Some say she has gone gaga just about a month after she was discovered. Can it be blamed on her handlers, who threw caution to the wings, and dressed her in ‘borrowed robes’ not suitable for her young immature mind.
Though no one as at the moment can tell the origin of the so called poor street hawker as regards background; of course till now, we are yet to hear of her parents and other things. But most Nigerians followed the trajectory of singers like Simi, Teni among other females who made it big without going naked. The question arise why would the handlers of Salle expose her to nudity in the name of promotion.
No doubt she is a great singer with great talents, but decorum should be applied in order not to turn a supposedly good girl to an instant soured milk.
Presently, we hear that one of world’s biggest news outfit, CNN and celebrated singer, Rihanna, have reached out to the young singer. Obviously, Salle does not need to go nude to make it big. Her talent will make a way for her.
Nudity sells, but for a very brief while…Salle should get that into her thick skull!
Nigeria-born Afro-pop star, Joeboy, whose melodies now ripple across continents, takes centre stage this week on the Easter edition of African Voices, the Globacom-sponsored CNN magazine programme.
In a captivating session from Lagos, show anchor Larry Madowo drew out the rhythm of Joeboy’s journey, tracing the arc from a starry-eyed university dreamer to a maestro whose songs now traverse the globe like whispered secrets carried on the wind.
Born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus in 1997, Joeboy—affectionately dubbed Afrobeats’ “lover boy”—embarked on his musical odyssey in 2017 with a viral reinterpretation of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You.
This pivot from rap to melodious crooning caught the discerning eye of Nigerian artiste and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, who, upon discovering him on Instagram, extended an invitation to join the emPawa Africa Talent Incubation initiative—a sanctuary for budding African talents where raw potential is nurtured into brilliance.
The partnership bore fruit in 2018 with the release of Fààjí, featuring Mr Eazi, and soon after, Joeboy was signed to Warner Music Africa. From there, his ascent became a symphony of milestones: the intoxicating single Baby in 2019, followed by Beginning, which amassed over 23 million views on YouTube, and Love & Light the same year.
Collaborations with Mayorkun yielded the spirited tracks Don’t Call Me and All for You, further cementing his place in the Afrobeats constellation.
Joeboy’s debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, unfurled in February 2021, a melodic tapestry of youth, hope, and desire. By 19 May 2023, he unveiled his sophomore studio effort, Body & Soul, preceded by the evocative singles Sip (Alcohol), Contour, Body & Soul, and Duffel Bag. In 2023, he teased the world with Only God Save Me and the extended EP Body, Soul and Spirit, offering listeners a window into the essence of his artistic spirit.
February 2024 marked another milestone as he launched his own imprint, Young Legend, soon releasing Osadebe, a track that resonated nationwide with the familiar warmth of homegrown brilliance.
Joeboy’s dedication has been richly rewarded. He clinched Best Artiste in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His music has earned numerous nominations, including at the City People Entertainment Awards and The Headies, affirming his status as a luminary of contemporary African sound.
The Easter edition of African Voices featuring Joeboy will air on DSTV Channel 401 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, with repeats at 11 a.m.; Sunday at 3:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Monday at 3 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. The schedule will be mirrored the following week, culminating in Monday at 3 a.m., giving audiences multiple opportunities to bask in the artistry of a musician whose voice carries the pulse of a continent.
Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood action star most famous for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 86 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement on Instagram.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,” the statement said.
Norris reportedly fell ill on Thursday on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Norris turned 86 last week, marking the event with a video of him boxing on social media and saying, “I don’t age. I level up.”
Entertainment
South African Actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, Tells Success Story on Glo-Sponsored African Voices
Delectable South African actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, will this week on Globacom-sponsored Cable News Network International’s African Voices Changemakers, reveal her trajectory from the Rainbow Nation to the global stage of make-belief.
In the 30-minute magazine programme, show anchor, Larry Madowo, will engage Mbatha on her soaring career which earned her a mention in the prestigious TIME100 Next in 2025.
The thespian who has been featured in two Hollywood productions has also gained acclaim in the beauty industry as she has signed endorsement deals with Neutrogena and Cream of Nature, both global brands in skincare and haircare, respectively.
Madowo and Mbatha sat for the exclusive interview on set of the final season of the hit television series, Shaka iLembe at the historic Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg where she highlighted the cultural significance of Shaka iLembe, and why giving back to her society is at the center of her aspirations as well as the legacy she desires to build beyond the glitz and glamour of the big screen.
This edition of African Voices Changemakers will be broadcast on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with additional broadcasts at noon same day. On Sunday, further repeats hold at 4:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and on Monday at 3:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. The repeats continue on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m and Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m and Sunday, March15 at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m as well as Monday, March 16 at 3:00 a.m.
