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Imitation in Afrobeats: Is It still the highest form of flattery?

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Imitation in Afrobeats Is It still the highest form of

Imitation in Afrobeats: Is – In Nigerian mainstream pop…


In Nigerian mainstream pop music, it’s not uncommon for artists to gravitate towards whatever the trending sound, style, or even thought process is in a desire to ingrain themselves in consumers’ consciousness. 14-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams said it best when he posited that there’s nothing new under the sun and all art forms are derivations of a myriad of existing creations. Also, artists are inspired by the works of musicians before them whose efforts popularised a sound, shaped an era, and connected with a generation. 2Baba, Wande Coal, Wizkid, and Rema are artists who have had a palpable impact on the Nigerian soundscape across different eras. In the last few years, Amapiano has held sway in Nigerian music, and its popularity is highly engineered by the vibrant works of hitmaker Asake whose fusion delivered an exciting sound other artists were eager to mirror. It’s common practice for artists to draw inspiration from the works of others. After all, nothing is new under the sun and imitation is the highest form of flattery. However, can imitation become too much such that it moves from flattery to artistic laziness, and turns into a problematic trend? Should there be a limit to drawing inspiration?  There’s a thin line between drawing inspiration and imitation. While the former is artistically applauded, the latter is mostly frowned upon. The recent case of Flavour and KCee offers an insight into how artists can frown at what they perceive to be a decided effort to copy their work. Flavour’s claims come after KCee teased a new song with Igbo music legend Theresa Onourah just weeks after Larry Gaaga featured her, Flavour, and Phyno on a song. KCee was also accused of hijacking the Ojapiano niche from Kolaboy who initially fused the Log drum and Oja flute for a captivating hybrid. Similarly, several Afropop stars like Rema, Omah Lay, and even Victony have consistently claimed that many artists are trying to mirror their style. Ordinarily, one would expect that these artists will be flattered by the fact that other musicians see them as worthy icons to imitate. However, in the highly competitive Nigerian music pop scene, excessively biting off an artist’s style might not considered flattering. Culture Writer Nonso Iheakire said that the issues stem from the use of a small set of producers by most artists. He points out that the issues are further compounded by the desire to follow a strict pop template. “I think the problem is in how much mindless lifting is being done today. And the reasons are the commerce behind it and the same talent pool of producers. I think they should stop rotating producers and creating music with a strict pop template. It’s not a problem to imitate if you do it creatively.” Iheakire points out that while several artists have Burna Boy’s vocal texture and cadence, the Grammy winner still manages to stand out because he’s decidedly committed to keeping things varied and exciting. “A lot of artists sound like Burna Boy. Even Burna Boy sounds a lot like different people from different climes yet he is distinct because he knows how to keep things varied.” Music Executive Honour Aghedo says artists are influenced by similar realities hence the reason they sound alike, and this has been strongly amplified by the advent of music streaming. “Artists have always sounded alike across different eras of music because they are influenced by the sample reality, work with similar producers, and make similar sounds. The reason it looks so bad in Afrobeats is because it’s amplified by the streaming era.”  He said while imitation isn’t a problem when artists are starting out, they must learn to find their voices. “The thing is when artists start out, the first step is often to imitate another artist they look up to but as they get older, they have to find their unique sounds”. The art of imitation is a trend that transcends even the streaming era of Nigerian music which is currently enjoying a commercial peak with the democratisation of music creation leading to the introduction of more artists. A bulk of these artists quite understandably gravitate toward the popular sound in a bid to achieve commercial success. Is imitation still the highest form of flattery? This writer very much thinks so. Is Nigerian mainstream pop music increasingly monotonous? Many would agree. Hence, there’s a need for artists, especially emerging talents, to craft their identities even while channelling the cadences of the artists that inspire them. Pursuing originality will not only distinguish them but also make them stars whose artistry will be imitated by future generations.
#Imitation #Afrobeats #highest #form #flattery

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Portable turns trial into music, announces new EP 'Ogo Most Wanted'

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Street hop star Portable isn’t one to let a news-making moment go to waste hence little wonder he’s documenting his current legal trial in his music.

The singer has taken to his Instagram page to announce a new project titled ‘Ogo Most Wanted’ which comes amidst his ongoing battles with the Ogun State Police who recently declared him wanted for assaulting government officials.

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Circuits Launches Film Veterans' Dignity Fund to Honour Nollywood Veterans

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Circuits, Africa’s premier virtual cinema platform, has launched the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria designed to recognise the contributions of veterans who have shaped Nigeria’s film industry.

The fund, which targets film veterans aged 70 and above, offers a monthly stipend for life as well as a comprehensive health insurance programme currently provided by Nem Health Insurance. 

Between 30 January and 1 February 2025, ceremonies held in Lagos and Ibadan saw the very first three Veterans honoured for their enduring influence on Nollywood. Among the distinguished recipients were; Chief Pete Edochie, MON; Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow; and Chief Lere Paimo, MFR. 

Each honouree was presented with a commemorative award recognising their significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, received their first monthly stipend, and was enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance programme. 

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In a video interview during the event, Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, expressed her gratitude for the initiative. 

Many have promised to look after our legacy, but Circuits is the only one who has truly kept their word. It is heartening to finally receive this long-awaited recognition.

In his video interview, Chief Pete Edochie praised the initiative, saying it was a great honour to have his work in social development through films recognised. He mentioned that the monthly payments he receives feel like retirement benefits, leaving him very happy and proud to see his lifelong work acknowledged. 

In his interview, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, expressed his gratitude to Circuits and praised their efforts in honouring veterans like himself. He stated that this award holds greater significance than any he has received before. 

The launch has also resonated with other seasoned players in the industry. Notably, acclaimed actress Kate Henshaw has publicly championed the cause, praising the initiative for its timely recognition of Nollywood’s stalwarts.

The announcement has garnered widespread support on social media, with many expressing admiration for the commitment to honouring the pioneers who have laid the foundations of Nigerian cinema. 

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The Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund arrives at a time when Nollywood is enjoying renewed global interest, and its establishment is being viewed as an important step in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the industry.

By offering both financial security and healthcare support, the initiative provides a meaningful legacy for those who have dedicated their lives to storytelling in Nigeria.

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‘Shōgun’ Dominates the 2025 SAG Awards – Full List of Winners

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The award ceremony, which honours the year’s best television and film performances by actors, was held on Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards delivered another unforgettable night, celebrating the best performances in film and television. Among the biggest winners was Shōgun, the historical drama series that took home three major awards, solidifying its dominance in the TV landscape.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, honoured outstanding acting performances across various categories. For the first time, the event was also streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience.

Shōgun claimed the coveted Best Ensemble in a Drama TV Series award, while its lead stars, Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, won Best Actress in a Drama Series and Best Actor in a Drama Series, respectively.

Beyond Shōgun’s triumph, the evening saw Conclave winning Best Ensemble Cast in film, Timothée Chalamet securing Best Actor for A Complete Unknown, and Demi Moore earning Best Actress for The Substance.

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Meanwhile, Hollywood legend Jane Fonda was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her remarkable contributions to the industry.

From gripping dramas to standout comedies, here’s the complete list of winners from the 2025 SAG Awards:

Best ensemble cast

  • A Complete Unknown

  • Anora

  • WINNER: Conclave

  • Emilia Perez

  • Wicked

Best actor

  • Adrien Brody, The Brutalist

  • WINNER: Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown

  • Daniel Craig, Queer

  • Colman Domingo, Sing Sing

  • Ralph Fiennes, Conclave

Best Actress

  • Pamela Anderson, The Last Showgirl

  • Cynthia Erivo, Wicked

  • Karla Sofia Gascon, Emilia Perez

  • Mikey Madison, Anora

  • WINNER: Demi Moore, The Substance

    READ ALSO: Filmhouse Group collaborates With AFRIFF, University for the Creative Arts to shape the future of creative talent 

Best supporting actor

  • Jonathan Bailey, Wicked

  • Yura Borisov, Anora

  • WINNER: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

  • Edward Norton, A Complete Unknown

  • Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice

Best supporting actress

  • Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown

  • Jamie Lee Curtis, The Last Showgirl

  • Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano Lesson

  • Ariana Grande, Wicked

  • WINNER: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Perez

Best action performance by a stunt ensemble

  • Deadpool & Wolverine

  • Dune: Part Two

  • WINNER: The Fall Guy

  • Gladiator II

  • Wicked

Best drama series ensemble

  • Bridgerton

  • The Day of the Jackal

  • The Diplomat

  • WINNER: Shogun

  • Slow Horses

Best actress – drama

  • Kathy Bates, Matlock

  • Nicola Coughlan, Bridgerton

  • Allison Janney, The Diplomat

  • Keri Russell, The Diplomat

  • WINNER: Anna Sawai, Shogun

Best actor – drama

  • Tadanobu Asano, Shogun

  • Jeff Bridges, The Old Man

  • Gary Oldman, Slow Horses

  • Eddie Redmayne, The Day of the Jackal

  • WINNER: Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun

Best comedy series ensemble

  • Abbott Elementary

  • The Bear

  • Hacks

  • WINNER: Only Murders in the Building

  • Shrinking

Best actor – comedy

  • Adam Brody, Nobody Wants This

  • Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside

  • Harrison Ford, Shrinking

  • WINNER: Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building

  • Jeremy Allen White, The Bear

Best actress – comedy

  • Kristen Bell, Nobody Wants This

  • Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

  • Liza Colon-Zayas, The Bear

  • Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

  • WINNER: Jean Smart, Hacks

Best actor – limited series

  • Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

  • WINNER: Colin Farrell, The Penguin

  • Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer

  • Kevin Kline, Disclaimer

  • Andrew Scott, Ripley

Best actress – limited series

  • Kathy Bates, The Great Lillian Hall

  • Cate Blanchett, Disclaimer

  • Jodie Foster, True Detective: Night Country

  • Lily Gladstone, Under the Bridge

  • WINNER: Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer

  • Cristin Milioti, The Penguin

Best action performance by a stunt ensemble (TV)

  • The Boys

  • Fallout

  • House of the Dragon

  • The Penguin

  • WINNER: Shogun

 

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