Popular
Damola Durosomo
Feb. 18, 2020 11:09AM EST
Still from 'Queen of Katwe.'

Tributes Pour Out In Remembrance of Ugandan 'Queen of Katwe' Actor Nikita Pearl Waligwa

The 15-year-old star passed away on Sunday after a battle with brain cancer.

Nikita Pearl Waligwa, one of the young stars of Disney's Queen of Katwe, died on Sunday after a 4-year battle with brain cancer. She was 15 years-old.

The rising actress played Gloria in the 2016 film, based on the life of Chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, which also starred Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'oand David Oyelowo.

Waligwastood out in a scene in which she taught Phiona—who went on to excel in several international chess tournaments—the rules of the game. A pleasant presence on-screen, she delivered the memorable line: "In chess, the small one came become the big one."

The news of her passing was first announced via the Twitter page of the secondary school she attended in Uganda. "Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa," read the announcement. "You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear."

According to BBC Africa, the actress was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016, after which the film's director Mira Nair, helped raise funds to send her to India for treatment. While she was found to be tumor-free in 2017, another appeared last year.

Supporters, fans and co-stars, including Nyong'o, Oyelowo and Bobi Wine have been sharing heartfelt tributes to the young actress and reflecting on the courage and strength shown in battling her brain tumor.






From Your Site Articles
Music
(Atlantic Records)

Burna Boy Shares New Single ‘Sittin' On Top Of The World’

The African Giant samples Brandy and Ma$e in his new summertime-ready single.

Odogwu is back and sitting on top of the world!

Burna Boy has graced the airwaves once again with his latest single called "Sittin’ On Top Of The World," marking his highly anticipated solo debut in 2023.

The distinguished Nigerian artist, who is currently on tour, has shared this track as a delightful auditory treat for his dedicated fans. The song seamlessly incorporates elements from Brandy and M a$e’ss 1998 hit "Top Of The World.”

Notably, the composition of the song captivates listeners with its summer-ready sample, also showcasing Burna Boy's remarkable vocal range and effortlessly smooth delivery.

Earlier this year, Burna Boy featured on the single "Mera Na," a heartfelt production by the late Indian hip-hop luminary Sidhu Moose Wala, who passed away last year. “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is yet another demonstration of Burna’s versatility and global appeal as he continues to solidify his position as an influential force in the music world. The single also shows Burna Boy’s ability to bring the signature “Burna vibe” to any record.

Keep reading...Show less
News

Places in Lagos to Have Fun this Weekend

From Plantain People’s Party by Dodo Gang to Sunday Drunch at 355 Ikeja, here’s where to spend the weekend in Lagos.

Who doesn’t love plantain? It’s a rhetorical question. But as World Plantain Day is this Sunday, it’s also worth asking straightforwardly. The good guys at Dodo Gang have taken it upon themselves to celebrate, an open invitation to all plantain lovers to merry and feast while recognizing the awesomeness of this staple food.

Tagged Plantain People’s Party (PPP), there’s so much on offer, and you just have to attend to witness it all. Elsewhere, experience drunch at 355 Ikeja restaurant and lounge. They are going Mexican this time, meaning Mexican cuisine is on the table. They are throwing cocktails too as a sweet deal, and we can’t complain.

Danfo Cruise with EXP Lagos

Danfo Cruise by EXP Lagos is a cute, niche hangout that is inserting the idea of cruising in Lagos. Held every first Friday and second Sunday of every month, the cruise shuttles around predetermined areas in Lagos while participants enjoy food and other fun activities. This Friday continues the tradition. Also, this is the fourth anniversary of Danfo Cruise and it’s already gearing up to be a good time.

Friday, June 2, 5pm

Venue: 256, Etim Inyang Crescent Victoria Island

Cost: N2k

Amapiano District Party

Amapiano District is slowly becoming ground zero for amapiano raves and parties at Hard Rock Cafe, Lagos. Just ask the party revelers as they leave hyped-up, post-party comments on their Instagram. It’s one place to learn new dance moves, meet people, and update your amapiano playlist. It will have DJ sets from New Guy, Smeez & D3an, Sammay, Nino, Dope Caesar, Uncle Bubu and Tohbad.

Friday, June 2, 8pm till dawn

Venue: Landmark Village, Water Corp. Road, Oniru, Victoria Island

Cost: N10k

Element House by Spektrum

Specktrum’s Element House is where afro house, deep house, and techno house collide. Curating a party space for house lovers, Element House is infectious in its appeal and location. This edition brings on UK-based DJ and producer Sef Kombo as the headliner, who is a deep and afro house tastemaker. He will be joined by Icey, Jarlight, and Deji.

Saturday, June 3, 11pm

Venue: The Good Village, Good Beach, Victoria Island


Cost: N7k online, N10k at venue

Silent Disco Party at House of Oni

Silent disco parties and raves aren’t new in Lagos. That said, House of Oni has been one of the platforms spearheading a revolution of Lagos clubbing with their routine silent party events. This time, they are tagging it A Silent Brew, so get ready to put on the headphones with some booze on this side.

Saturday, June 3, 7pm

Venue: Bature Brewery, 256 Etim Inyang Crescent Victoria Island

Cost: N3k, single

The Baccyard Barn

The Baccyard is a newly launched platform in Lagos to assemble creatives in one place, and reflect the relentless spirit in the city. To that end, it is putting out its first event that will see music performance, visual art, poetry, comedy, and a vendor village coexist. Billed to perform are Adam Srae, Ella Gomenti, Ovibeat, Morrelo Virusman, Kxng Nero, LB, Jamz, Rozzz, to name a few.

Saturday, June 3, 4pm - 10pm

Venue: The Corner, Admiralty Way, Lekki

Cost: Call to RSVP

Plantain People’s Party

How do you celebrate World Plantain Day? Dodo Gang, the Lagos-based, plantain-loving community have the answer. In what they call Plantain People’s Party, it will see plantain lovers unite this Sunday at The Terrace in style. Indulge in a variety of plantain-infused dishes, from traditional favorites to innovative creations that showcase the versatility of this beloved fruit.

To boot, the event will also feature a merchandise pop-up shop where you can cop exclusive plantain-themed fashion items like tote bags, t-shirts, bucket hats, button badges, and more.

Sunday, June 4, 2pm

Venue: The Terrace Lagos, 23, Kunle Ogunba Lekki 1

Cost: Free

Sunday Drunch at 355 Ikeja

You’ve heard of brunch, but how about some drunch? 355 Ikeja restaurant and lounge on the mainland are doing drunch time, and what is even more exciting is that it is Mexican-themed. From starter to main to cocktails, relish in Mexican meals like tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, margaritas, and more.

Sunday, June 4, 2pm - 6pm

Venue: 22, Simbiat Abiola Way, Ikeja

Cost: N20K

(YouTube)

The Best Ghanaian Songs Right Now

Featuring King Promise, Efya, Kwesi Arthur, Amaarae, Mr Drew and more.

The month of May brought us some amazing heat from the camp of our favorite Ghanaian artists, from the established superstars to the emerging talents. As always, we bring all of that brand new heat right to your doorstep. Check out our picks of the best Ghana music you can lay your hands (and ears) on below.

Keep reading...Show less

get okayafrica in your inbox

news.

The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

Featuring tracks from Joeboy, Amaarae, Odumodublvck, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Ckay, and more.

7 Essential Facts About Nonso Amadi's Debut Album

Nonso Amadi explores his musical journey and tells us 7 Essential Facts about his new album, When It Blooms.

Ayobami Oladapo On Winning AMVCA Design For The Stars Runway Competition

The Nigerian designer aims to use the prize money to create her first collection.

Fun Places in Accra, Ghana to Visit This Weekend

From Karaoke at The Woods to Outmosphere Festival, Accra is packed with places to have fun.

popular.

Spotlight: Ghana’s Sarfo Emmanuel Annor Is Celebrating African Beauty

We spoke with the visual artist about honoring your heritage and trusting in the journey to success.