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Google Unveils Digital Treasure Trove, Mali Magic

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Mali Magic Digital Treasure Trove

By Dipo Olowookere

A digital treasure trove called Mali Magic aimed to preserve and showcase the historic and contemporary art and culture of Mali has been launched by Google.

With the launch of Mali Magic, people from all over the world can view an array of manuscripts, music, art and heritage sites including over 40 000+ digitised endangered manuscripts many of which were smuggled to safety during political unrest in the country.

It also contains more than 50 exhibits which include the first online, interactive tours of some of Mali’s most significant historic sites, at-risk mausoleums and mosques including the Sidi Yahiya and Djinguereber Mosques and the Tomb of Askia, all created using Street View.

The Mali Magic project contains over 40,000 assets digitised manuscript pages, more than 50 exhibits on Mali heritage (manuscripts, music, monuments & contemporary art), the first-ever Street View capture in Mali of 9 heritage sites, a 3D model and annotated tour of Djenne Mosque, as well as one music album, Maliba, by Fatoumata Diawara.

Since 2015, Google Arts & Culture has been working with local and international organisations to digitise, curate and share Mali’s incredible stories and rich heritage.

Together with its local partners, Google Arts & Culture identified four key pillars of Malian culture; manuscripts, music, monuments and modern art – and worked closely with local communities and experts to digitally document the country’s rich art, architecture, scholarship and musical tradition, and to share stories of its resilience in the face of political struggles with the world.

Google Arts & Culture also worked with artist and musician DJ Spooky (Paul Miller) to create short videos to explore the evolution of storytelling, from West Africa to the American blues.

An original album, Maliba, by Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara, produced in Mali and written about the country’s cultural legacy, was created exclusively for the project. The collection also contains a wealth of videos and imagery which capture Mali’s contemporary art scene and profile some of its artists.

“The Malian city of Timbuktu gave birth to an abundance of learning in the fields of human rights, morality, politics, astronomy and literature captured in thousands of manuscripts.

“When this ancient knowledge was threatened by extremist groups in 2012, local communities raced against time to preserve these treasures. This legacy is now available for people across the world to explore,” the Program Manager and Digital Archaeologist for Google Arts & Culture, Chance Coughenour, stated.

Dr Abdel Kader Haidara, the ‘badass librarian’ known for smuggling the manuscripts out of Timbuktu, said, “[They] are more than important historical documents.

“Central to the heritage of the West African nation of Mali, they represent the long legacy of written knowledge and academic excellence in Africa, and hold potential to inspire global learning from the actions of the past in confronting modern-day issues.”

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Court Freezes N1.2bn Copyright Levy Funds in Record Labels, MCSN Rift

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Go to court

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of N1.2 billion in copyright levy funds payable to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), pending the determination of a substantive application before the court.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted an interim Mareva injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and no fewer than 20 commercial banks from disbursing or releasing the disputed funds.

The order followed an ex parte application filed on February 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026 by the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative and 11 leading record labels and music companies.

The plaintiffs include Mavin Records Ltd, Davido Music Worldwide Ltd, Premier Music Publishing Limited, Chocolate City Music Limited, Hypertek Digital Limited, Digital Music Commerce & Exchange Limited (DMCE), Beggars Group Media Limited, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Warner Music South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Gamma Media Middle East DMCC.

The second to 12th plaintiffs instituted the action through their lawful attorney, Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative.

In the motion ex parte, filed and argued by their counsel, Oragwu Nnamdi, the applicants sought an order restraining the CBN from disbursing, releasing, transferring or otherwise paying out any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and intended for MCSN, pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

They further prayed the court to restrain MCSN, its agents, servants or privies from receiving, accessing, withdrawing, transferring, dissipating or otherwise dealing with the levy funds, whether paid directly by the CBN or routed through commercial banks.

The plaintiffs also requested that the apex bank and the affected financial institutions be directed to preserve the funds and file affidavits of compliance within three days of service of the order, disclosing the sums standing to the credit of MCSN in respect of the levy payments.

Ruling on the application, Justice Lewis-Allagoa restrained the CBN, its officers, agents or any person acting under its authority from disbursing any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and payable to MCSN, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

The court equally barred MCSN from receiving, accessing, utilising, withdrawing, transferring, converting, dissipating or otherwise dealing with the funds, whether already received or yet to be disbursed.

In addition, the judge directed the CBN and the listed banks to preserve the disputed sums and file affidavits of compliance within three days of being served with the order, disclosing the amounts standing to MCSN’s credit in respect of levy payments earmarked for disbursement or already disbursed.

The court further ordered that any copyright levy funds already received by MCSN and attributable to sound recordings owned by the 2nd to 12th plaintiffs — after they had validly opted out of the collective management and administration of their rights — must be preserved intact.

MCSN was also directed to render an account of such funds and refrain from further dealings with them pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Dr Chinedu Chukwuji of Lekki, Lagos, deposed to the supporting affidavit.

After hearing submissions from counsel to the plaintiffs, the court granted the orders as prayed and adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

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Simple Tool to Transfer Music Without Losing Tracks

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Music Transfer Tools

Transferring music from one device to another can often feel like a daunting task. For online business owners, eCommerce entrepreneurs, and digital professionals, streamlined processes are essential, and losing precious tracks during a transfer can be frustrating. Fortunately, tools like FreeYourMusic make moving music collections seamless and reliable, ensuring that every track and playlist remains intact.

This guide explores how to use these tools effectively, providing step-by-step tips to transfer music between devices or restore data. By following best practices, users can confidently manage their music libraries and enjoy uninterrupted access to their favorite tracks wherever they go.

Understanding Music Transfer Tools

Music transfer tools are specialized software applications designed to help the movement of audio files between different platforms or devices. They simplify the process by providing a user-friendly interface that allows users to quickly upload, download, and manage music files without needing extensive technical knowledge. For online business owners and agencies, using the right tool can save significant time and ensure that tracks maintain their original quality throughout the transfer, an essential factor when every second counts in a fast-paced digital environment.

These tools typically support multiple file formats and can handle various music libraries, making them versatile choices for users. They hide the complex processes behind a simple interface, allowing anyone to transfer music effortlessly.

Why Use a Music Transfer Tool?

Using a music transfer tool comes with several advantages that cater specifically to those who prioritize efficiency and reliability. Here are a few reasons:

  1. Time Efficiency: Transferring music manually can be a time-consuming process, often leading to frustration. Tools automate much of this work, allowing users to focus on their core activities, such as managing their businesses or campaigns.
  2. Loss Prevention: The fear of losing essential tracks during transfers is a common concern. A dedicated tool minimizes this risk by ensuring that files are copied accurately without corruption or loss.
  3. Compatibility and Flexibility: Many tools offer support for various file formats and can work across different operating systems. This compatibility ensures that users can transfer music regardless of their technology environment, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or mobile devices.
  4. Improved Organization: Some tools come with features that allow users to categorize and manage their music libraries effectively. This can prove invaluable for marketers who rely on specific soundtracks or audio content for promotional activities.

Key Features of an Effective Music Transfer Tool

An effective music transfer tool will offer various key features aimed at enhancing user experience. When choosing a tool, look for the following characteristics:

  1. User-Friendly Interface: A well-designed, intuitive interface that guides the user is crucial. Ideally, anyone should be able to navigate it without hours of training.
  2. Fast Transfer Speeds: Time is money, especially for busy professionals. A good tool will ensure swift transfers without compromising audio quality.
  3. Multi-Platform Support: Whether the user wants to transfer music from a computer to a smartphone, or between cloud services, multi-platform capabilities ensure versatility.
  4. File Integrity Checks: A reliable music transfer tool performs checks to confirm that files have been transferred without corruption, providing peace of mind.
  5. Backup Options: The inclusion of backup features is invaluable. Users should be able to create duplicates of their files easily before beginning the transfer to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tool

To effectively use a music transfer tool, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Download and Install the Tool: Start by downloading the software from a trusted source. Follow the installation prompts to set it up on your device.
  2. Connect Your Devices: Use USB cables or a wireless connection to link the devices you will transfer music from and to. Ensure that both devices are recognized by the software.
  3. Select the Music Files: Navigate the software interface to find the music library. Select the tracks you wish to transfer.
  4. Initiate the Transfer: Click the transfer button and monitor the progress. Most tools will display the time remaining and file integrity checks during this phase.
  5. Verify Your Files: Once the transfer is complete, navigate to the destination device and play the tracks to ensure they’ve been transferred correctly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even though their advantages, users may encounter common issues with music transfer tools. Here are a few problems and their resolutions:

  1. Device Recognition Problems: If the device is not recognized, ensure that drivers are updated and that the device is properly connected.
  2. Transfer Failures: If transfers fail midway, check for stable connections and sufficient storage space on the destination device. Restarting the tool and devices can also resolve this issue.
  3. Corrupted Files: If files appear corrupted post-transfer, verify that the music files are in supported formats and consider reattempting the transfer.

Best Practices for Music Transfer

To enhance the experience and ensure successful music transfers, consider implementing these best practices:

  1. Regular Backups: Consistently back up your music library to separate drives or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
  2. Update Software Regularly: Keeping your transfer tool updated ensures compatibility with the latest devices and file formats, alongside crucial performance enhancements.
  3. Check System Requirements: Make sure the device you’re transferring music to meets the software’s system requirements to avoid any hiccups during the transfer process.

Conclusion

A simple tool to transfer music without losing tracks can save valuable time and eliminate headaches for online business owners and entrepreneurs. By understanding the importance of music transfer tools, selecting one with key features, and following best practices, users can confidently manage their music collections. Embracing these solutions not just streamlines the process but also ensures that creativity and efficiency coexist, eventually allowing professionals to focus on driving their businesses forward.

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Who’s Playing Who? Heartbeat Episodes 5 & 6 Bring All the Twists

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Heartbeat Watch This Weekend on DStv

Episode 4 ended with Latifah holding the biggest power move of the night. After winning the Heartbeat Game and securing the Love Nest key, she surprised everyone by choosing Ken again instead of exploring someone new. The Love Dip Game followed, flipping the house upside down with unexpected pairings: Igwe with Shekinah, Kena with Toria, Alvin with Chidera, and Hilda with Henri. Kena and Chidera were separated despite being emotionally locked in, though Kena assured everyone it wouldn’t affect their bond. Some singles chose to sleep alone, seeking peace over drama, while tensions and emotions ran high as housemates navigated jealousy, confusion, and budding connections.

Moving into Episode 5, the Love Pad welcomed new singles, instantly shaking things up. Kena continued to steal hearts, but Chidera made it clear that whatever was brewing, she wasn’t stepping aside quietly. Henri decided to focus on Latifah, only for the tension between her and Ken to resurface, proving their push-and-pull was far from over. The biggest revelation came from Ceeoni, who casually dropped that she and Henri were exes,  an unexpected twist that sent shockwaves through the house.

The games heated up with the Love Nest key challenge, which Bosah won and chose Hilda, leaving everyone else free to sleep anywhere and explore new connections. Meanwhile, old flames and new attractions collided: Kena gave Chidera roses to apologise for earlier tension, Jane went after Kenna, and Alvin and Toria explored a connection only to break it off the same day. Igwe and Shekinah continued their confusing dance, giving everyone something to question. Letters were exchanged in the Love Hearts, revealing unspoken feelings, jealousy, and some serious surprises. By the end of Episode 5, the house was buzzing with drama, unresolved emotions, and new sparks flying everywhere.

Episode 6 picked up with even more intensity. Alvin and Toria addressed their fallout, confirming their chapter was closed right before it started, while Igwe called out Latifah for seeming unsure about Ken, and Shekinah confronted Igwe about his letters to multiple women. Ken found himself pulled in three directions: Latifah, Ceeoni, and Hilda, and chaos followed when he lied about setting up a dinner date for Ceeoni, claiming production orchestrated it. Hilda uncovered the truth and immediately told Latifah, leaving her furious and done with Ken. Meanwhile, Ken tried pivoting toward Toria but was shut down, Ceeoni admitted feeling like a victim, and the house was left in complete emotional turmoil.

By the end of these two episodes, old bonds were shaken, new attractions were forming, and the Love Pad was more unpredictable than ever. In this season, no connection is safe, jealousy runs deep, and anyone can switch lanes at a moment’s notice.

Catch Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8. To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, stream anytime on the GOtv Stream App.

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