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Photo illustration by Aaron Leaf.

Zuma Releases Commission Report, Says South Africa Can't Provide Free Higher Education

What does this mean for the #FeesMustFall movement?

South African President Jacob Zuma released the highly anticipated Heher Commission in lieu of recent #FeesMustFall student protests—which says it's not feasible to offer free higher education.


The executive summary of the report says:

"There is insufficient financial capacity in the state to provide totally free higher education and training to all who are unable to finance their own education, let alone to all students, whether in need or not."

Young South Africans are not pleased, yet not surprised at the report's findings:

For more on what you need to know about the commission report, check out this recap from The Daily Vox here.

Photo Credit: Wizkid's YouTube

Watch Wizkid’s Glitzy New Video For ‘Money And Love’

Afrobeats singer Wizkid has released the music video for his song “Money and Love.”

Nigerian superstar and Grammy award-winning artist Wizkid has just released a new music video for his song “Money and Love.” The DK- directed music video features vibrant colors and beautiful people. In November last year, the “Essence” crooner treated fans to his highly anticipated fifth studio album, More Love, Less Ego. “Money and Love” is one of the album's top tracks. Wizkid —who is also known as “Machala '' by his loyal fan base, Wizkid FC — displays his suave star power and swagger in the music video.

Throughout his career, Wiz has garnered a reputation for taking his time with his art, and this music video reflects that. The offering is a deliberate and well done visual output that showcases his ability to be chill, yet intentional about whatever project he puts his name on.

Over the years, the “Bad to Me” singer has been known to use a blended aesthetic of urban energy and relaxed, Afro-centric glamor in his visuals. In “Money and Love,” Wiz leans into that same urban energy by basking in vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles.

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, first caught his big break in 2010, and has come a long way since his "Holla at Your Boy” days. He has since released several successful singles and albums, including Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014), Sounds from the Other Side (2017), Made in Lagos (2020), and More Love, Less Ego (2022). He has also collaborated with several international artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta.

Beyond the release of his recent music video, Wizkid has been booked and busy. The 32-year-old Afrobeats icon will be performing at festivals across Europe and the United States this the summer.

Watch the spanking new video below.

Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage

Places in Lagos to Have Fun this Weekend

From sip and paint and artists’ shows, to finger-licking food, here’s the best places to have fun in Lagos this weekend as March wraps up.

March surely took long enough to end, and what better way to see it go out than attend Pheelz’s inaugural appearance at Industry Nite? The producer-singer had an exciting 2022, releasing the chart-topping single "Finesse," and landing his American TV debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

He’s one to watch this year, and Industry Nite brings the rising act in the same room with fans. Also watch out for Ric Hassani five-night show run starting on Friday. This weekend's lineup of events has a full-range appeal, so let’s get into it.

Movie in the Park: Vintage Edition

Start the weekend early by catching a movie under the stars. Movie in the Park is returning for the first time in 2022, after making statements last year drawing in crowds with their monthly outdoor movie events. This time around, they will be curating nostalgic moments with their Vintage edition, from the dress code, movie selection and overall ambience.

Thursday, March 30, 5 p.m.

Venue: Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island

Cost: N3k

Musical stage play at Terra Kulture

With Easter just around the corner, Terra Kulture will showcase a musical stage play titled "The Witness." It will look at the arrest, trial, and suffering of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Cladia, the wife of Pontius Pilate, the Roman who sentenced him to death. The Witness is put together by Ornaments Production in collaboration with Young and Gifted Academy.

As with all theater productions showcased at Terra Kulture, this is one that shouldn’t be missed. It runs for two days, with flexible time too.

Friday & Saturday, March 31 & April 1, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Venue: Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island

Cost: from N10K (early bird)

Weekends with Ric Hassani

Picking up from last year’s One Night Only, Ric Hassani is about to hop on a stretch of shows that will see him perform every weekend in April. Starting this Friday, the Gentleman singer will serenade fans with a medley of his songs and perhaps tease some new stuff. It’s for a small crowd (70 people), so making reservations is advised.

Friday, March 31, 9 p.m.

Venue: Live Lounge, No 15, Idejo Street, Victoria Island

Cost: Free

Burger Games at Burger King

Courtesy of Coca Cola, which means free drinks, Burger King is making space for games to be played alongside their delicious burgers. There’s also a chance to win goody bags from Burger King, meet people and network. Registration for this event is compulsory because limited seats are available.

Friday, March 31, 6 p.m.

Venue: 11b, Victoria Arobieke, Lekki Phase 1

Cost: Free

The Big Birthday Bash

Imagine having your birthday hosted for you with celebrities that share your birthday turning up? And with food, drinks, games, and music as well? That’s the whole gamut of The Big Birthday Bash, which happens every month. This time, February and March birthday celebrants will take center stage, with DJ Calix Jiggy and DJ Tosan Wiltshire on the turntable.

Friday, March 31, 7 p.m.

Venue: Bayroot Lounge, Victoria Island

Cost: N5K

Live Band Night at Beeriga

Have a calming view of the Lagos Lagoon while enjoying live music from Cool Ice Band. From highlife, and alternative blues to your favourite Nigerian hit songs, soak yourself into the sea ambiance with great music and food.

Saturday, April 1, 7 p.m.

Venue: Bariga Waterfront Jetty, Ijaje, Bariga

Cost: Free

Book Swap at Roving Heights

Bookstore Roving Heights is resuming its tradition of book swapping among customers. Old books across fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and so on can be exchanged for old titles. There will be music and snacks, and a chance to network. Roving Heights will also be giving away free old books.

Saturday, April 1, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Venue: 28, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere

Cost: Free

Industry Nite with Pheelz

More than a decade being Nigeria’s longest-running performance event for new and established artists, rising Afrobeats act and producer Pheelz headlines the next showcase for Industry Nite. With his debut project, Pheelz Good, released after a string of hits, the Lagos-based singer will perform tracks from the EP and show the audience a good time.

Saturday, April 1, 8 p.m.

Venue: Bayroot Bar & Lounge, Victoria Island

Cost:5K

Sip and Paint

The rise of sip-and-paint events, especially in Lagos, has broken the echo chamber of traditional outings. Sure, there are quite a few things that can be improved in that space, but in the meantime, Alali Studio is hosting a sip-and-paint session under the guidance of professional painters. The experience comes with any beverage of your choice.

Saturday, April 1, 4:30 p.m.

Venue: 32, Musa Yar'adua Victoria Island

Cost: N20K

BBQ wings at Maple Lagos

Though a full-fledged restaurant with starter and main-course dishes, BBQ wings at Maple Lagos is particularly one to try out. Having seen improvement over time, the wings are sweet, sticky, spicy, and fall off the bone. It also packs in some heat, but this can be adjusted to personal taste. Comes with a side of French fries and grilled corn.

Venue: 9, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki

Cost: Free

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Photo By Sean Zanni:Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Trevor Noah To Host Prime Video's First South African Show

Trevor Noah is teaming up with Prime Video to Release the a new South African Show Called ‘LOL: Last One Laughing.'

Trevor Noah is taking his comedic chops to Prime Video with LOL: Last One Laughing, a six-episode stand-up comedy competition series that will be released in 2024.

Noah will be hosting the show, which will feature 10 South African comedians competing to see who can keep a straight face the longest while also trying to make their opponent laugh. The comedians will be given a list of challenges and scenarios in which they must maintain a stoic expression. Each episode will end with the "Last One Laughing" taking home a cash prize of 1 million Rand. LOL: Last One Laughing will be Prime Video’s first South African Original. And with Noah’s sharp wit and comedic acumen at the helm, it will be interesting to see LOL: Last One Laughing come to life in South Africa.

In a statement released to Variety, Noah said:

“I’m excited to be back home to host Prime Video’s first South African Original, LOL: Last One Laughing, and to have a chance to connect with my home audience... I am equally delighted for the opportunity to be working alongside my fellow home-grown comedy stars on a show that not only entertains but gives back to the South African production and charity communities.”

Ned Mitchell, head of Africa and Middle East Originals at Amazon also spoke highly of the upcoming show.

“Comedy, in all its forms, shines among South Africa’s most valuable treasures. Together with an A-list roster of this country’s incredible home-grown comedic talent competing for a great charitable cause,” Mitchell said. “Trevor and Prime Video are demonstrating the depth of our shared ambition to invest and elevate the very best of South Africa for audiences locally and around the world.”

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