Showbiz
Remembering Legendary Nigerian Drummer Tony Allen
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Exactly in August 2009, legendary Nigerian drummer, Tony Allen, who created the Afrobeat along with his old bandmate, Fela Kuti, and I had our first historical meeting in Paris, France.
I had flown in from Shanghai, China, to meet with him for an informal encounter. Despite our heavy working schedules and limited time, the meeting lasted for about two hours.
During the discussions, I asked him several questions about his professional musical career and life. In fact, he was extremely passionate and enthusiastic talking with me, and to remember him here are a few excerpts:
When did you begin your musical career and who are your favourite musicians?
My career started at the age of 20. In fact, I was hired by Sir Victor Olaiya to play claves with his highlife band, “the Cool Cats” and was able to fill the drum-set chair when the former Cool Cats drummer left the band. I also played with Agu Norris and the Heatwaves, the Nigerian Messengers and the Melody Makers.
In 1964, I joined Fela’s ‘Koola Lobitos’ and stayed with Fela for 15 years. When I was learning to play, I’d check out LPs and magazine tutorials by Gene Krupa, Art Blakey and Max Roach, Guy Warren was also an influence. Of course, I was also a fan of Elvin Jones, Tony Williams and Bernard Purdie.
I was asked to name my dream band to play with, and I chose: Oumou Sangare and Salif Keita on vocals, Bootsy Collins on bass, George Benson on guitar, Wayne Shorter on sax, Joe Zawinul on keys, Don Cherry on trumpet, and with a line-up like that, I’d have to be the drummer!
What was the motivation behind your chosen profession?
My parents were…not keen. Back then, musicians were more or less thought of as beggars, or worse. But I just put it in front of them. I was an electrical technician, but I wanted to make a change. My mother was never happy about it, but my father, who was an amateur musician, eventually agreed.
How is this profession influencing or shaping your own social life?
It has had a profound effect. Our albums with Afrika 70 either provoked or described a series of increasingly brutal attacks by the Nigerian army and police. Fela and his immediate family bore the brunt of this long and shameful catalogue of assaults, trumped up charges and jailings, and I myself was jailed on one occasion. With Fela, it was like being at university, and you don’t run away from education. We learnt so much by not being cowards.
When I left Fela’s band, that had a big effect on my life. Lagos was too small for me and Fela. It was a small place, and I wanted room to take off without causing competition, I eventually chose Paris partly because the British immigration people were giving me difficulties, but also because African music was more happening then in Paris than in London, and my record company at the time was in France.
It was the only place I felt I could exercise my knowledge. The only place to make a living. Being a musician, the line between work and social life is, often blurred doing what I do for a living is what I do for enjoyment.
There seems to be some truthfulness in your career. Which songs spiritually appeal most to you personally when on stage?
Absolutely, as a musician and an artist, you have to be true to yourself. Different songs appeal to me more at different times and under different circumstances, it can depend on who you’re playing with, where you’re playing and how the audience respond to what you’re playing. Playing music is very spiritual but I won’t say that one thing I do is more spiritual than another as I try to invest all in everything that I do.
Of what importance are the messages you convey through your songs to our society, in your interpretation?
Afrobeat has always been about the struggle, then and now. Fela was right about everything, especially the messages in all his songs. Everything he sang about is still happening. Nigeria’s not getting any better. It’s all misadministration and corruption, survival of the fittest.
Lagos is a complete mother ****** of a place. These messages we send to the government, they never listen to them. The people wait for an effect, but there’s no effect. These guys do nothing. Afrobeat is rebellious music. We have to keep shouting.
Do you mind talking about your experiences (both positive and negative) in previous European tours?
Laughs! I don’t mind at all but this is a big question that I’m not sure how to answer. The fact is that the good experiences overwhelmingly outweigh the bad, which is why I’m still out on tour at nearly 70 years old. As long as people want to come and see me play, I’ll play.
How do you usually visualize your audience during musical performances?
I am very pleased to have had the chance to play at many festivals abroad. The foreign people know all about social and political upheaval, so even though our cultures and heritage are completely different, they feel the power of Afrobeat and confirm my belief that music is the great healer in the world. It was a long musical trip, there is no way back but well worth it. You just don’t have to return, I have to move forward!
Many people think going into musical world is just to make quick money. What is your reaction to this?
Ha! Most musicians are struggling musicians only a small minority make serious money, musicians all around the world play for the love of it, to express themselves creatively and for the interaction with the audience. A lucky few might make millions but you can’t judge everyone else on that basis, lawyers, accountants, bankers, those guys make the serious money. Also, those motivated by money don’t make as good music, if your inspiration isn’t true, then it shines through in music.
Would you have opted out of stage if you were offered an alternative job?
Not all, as I said earlier, I had job which I left in order to be a musician, that was almost 50 years ago and I am still in it. I think I made the right decision.
If you could have lunch with anyone, real or fictional, alive or dead, who would it be and what is the first thing you would ask him or her?
It’s impossible to pick one single person, there are loved ones that would be great to see one more time, but musically, the most obvious person would be Fela Kuti, and I’d ask him if he’s happy with what’s happened to the music that we created together.
What are your goals for the coming years?
I want to keep on doing what I do, improving and doing new things. I’m very happy with my band and our new album, we can do great things together. I’m very fortunate that I get the opportunities to work with all manner of artists doing different and interesting projects, long may it continue.
Music is my mission. I never get satisfied and I’m still learning from others. The musical world is very spiritual, and I don’t think there’s an end to it. The best legacy is your professional work and leaving an indelible mark on the minds of people.
Additional information
Agence France Press (AFP) wrote that Allen was the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti’s band Africa ‘70 in the 1960s and 1970s.
During that time, the pair created afrobeat, combining West African musical styles such as highlife and Fuji music with American imports jazz and funk. Afrobeat went on to become one of the totemic genres of 20th century African music.
Over Allen’s thrilling beat, Fela laid out his revolutionary and pan-African message, which led him to become one of the abiding icons of the struggle for freedom across the continent.
Allen and Fela recorded around 40 albums together in Africa ‘70, before parting ways after a mythic 26-year collaboration. Such was the hole that Allen left in his band, Fela needed four drummers to replace him.
Allen taught himself to play drums from the age of 18, drawing inspiration from American jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker as well as contemporary African music. He remained hugely influential and beloved by generations of musicians.
British musician and producer Brian Eno has called Allen “perhaps the greatest drummer who ever lived.” Allen was the drummer in the supergroup The Good, the Bad & the Queen, also featuring Blur singer Damon Albarn and The Clash bassist Paul Simonon, which released its second album in 2018.
Tony Allen died suddenly at the age of 79 in the Paris suburb Courbevoie, France.
The women of Africa Magic on GOtv don’t just play their roles, they own them. With talent, confidence, and undeniable presence, they bring stories to life in ways that keep us hooked. Sometimes, they could be a little bit chaotic, but that’s exactly why we can’t stop watching.
From captivating dramas to reality TV that keeps us talking, Africa Magic on GOtv continues to showcase women who bring stories to life in the most compelling ways. Let’s dive into some of the shows where these women take centre stage.
The Real Housewives of Lagos
Scarlet Gomez—Alex from Oil & Gas
Scarlet Gomez as Alex in Alex from Oil & Gas is proof that being the smartest person in the room doesn’t mean you have to lose your charm. She’s ambitious, confident, and knows exactly how to make things work in her favour. But what makes Alex stand out isn’t just her ability to handle business; it’s the way she does it with a mix of strategy and effortless cool. She makes winning look good, and even when things don’t go her way, you know she’s already planning her next move.
Stephanie Coker—Indomie Love Bowl Host
Hosting isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about setting the vibe, and Stephanie Coker does it effortlessly on Indomie Love Bowl. She’s got that mix of warmth and energy that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, not just watching a show. She hypes up the fun, keeps the conversations flowing, and makes sure every moment is one you actually want to watch. She’s not just a host; she’s the person who makes everything come alive.
Linda Ejiofor—Tinsel
Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe Adekoya in Tinsel is the life of the party; she is bubbly and always in the middle of something. Whether she’s chasing fame, stirring up drama, or just being her lovable, dramatic self, she brings a light-hearted energy that balances out all the serious moments. But she’s not just about laughs and mischief. She has her struggles, learns hard lessons, and somehow always finds a way to land on her feet. That’s what makes her stand out.
Oluwatoyin Albert, aka Tomama—My Flatmates
Some characters are so effortlessly funny, you forget they’re acting. That’s Oluwatoyin Albert, aka Tomama, in My Flatmates. She’s the kind of woman who enters a scene, and you just know something hilarious is about to happen. Her character has depth, emotions, and moments that make you see beyond the comedy. That’s what makes her so unforgettable; she’s not just funny, she’s real.
When watching these women, one thing is clear: they don’t just play their roles; they become them. Whether they’re delivering unforgettable performances, keeping us hooked on reality TV, or owning the stage as hosts, they bring something special every time.
Beyond these shows, they’re part of a bigger story, one that proves time and time again that the industry is filled with women who are not just talented but truly unforgettable. The best part is you can watch these incredible women by just subscribing to GOtv; dial *288# to subscribe or download the MyGOtv app and enjoy your shows anywhere and anytime.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Tuesday arraign Mr Jude Okoye on a fresh charge of $1 million and £34,537.59 theft before the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja.
The accused is the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square.
Justice Rahman Oshodi will hear the four counts charge filed before the court on January 27 by the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Aso Larry Peters.
Mr Okoye’s arraignment before the court was initially slated for Monday (today) but could not go on because the defendant was absent in court as the Ikoyi Correctional Centre where he was remanded said it had not received any information for his arraignment.
In the charge, the EFCC accused Mr Okoye of dishonestly converting to his use the sum of $767,544.15, which was paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive Mr Peter Okoye his special interest in the asset.
He was also accused to have sometimes between 2016 and 2023, dishonestly converted the sum of £34,537.59, paid by Lex Records Limited as payment for music digital distribution/ publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive, Mr Peter Okoye his special interest in the asset.
The commission also alleged that Jude Okoye dishonestly converted the sum of $133,566.49, a sum paid by Kobalt Music digital distribution/publishing royalties with intent to permanently deprive his brother, Mr Peter Okoye, his special interest in the asset.
The anti-graft agency also said the defendant dishonestly converted the sum of $118,652.23, paid by Mtech Limited as payment for music digital distribution publishing royalties, with intent to permanently deprive his brother of his special interest.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed between 2016 and 2023, contravene sections 278 and 285 of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2011.
Meanwhile, another court, the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday granted a N100 million bail to the defendant, Mr Jude Okoye.
Justice Alexander Owoeye granted him bail with two sureties in the like sum.
The judge held that “one of the sureties must be the owner of a landed property, while the other surety must be a business owner with verifiable address.
“Both sureties shall show an affidavit of means”.
Justice Owoeye also ordered that the property title as well as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) shall be deposited before the court.
“The defendant shall not travel out of the country, pending the hearing and determination of the charges. The defendant shall continue to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions,” the judge held.
The case was adjourned till April 14, for the commencement of trial.
One of his brothers, Paul (second part of the former PSquare), who now goes by the stage name, Rude boy, was present in court to give support to the defendant.
Mr Okoye was arraigned on February 26, 2025, before the court, by the EFCC for an alleged crime of money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59.
He was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven counts preferred against him by EFCC.
The Commission told the court that the defendant alongside his Northside Music Limited sometime in 2022, in Lagos, directly acquired a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850,000,000.(Eight hundred and fifty million naira) with money he knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of unlawful activities.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Okoye and his company, in 2022, used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87, held in an Access Bank account operated by Northside Music Ltd, into naira and transferred the funds into various bank accounts to conceal the illicit origin of the money.
According to EFCC, the offences committed contravene Sections 18 (2)(a) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act and are punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.
Mr Jude Okoye pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, have commended the organizers of the ongoing Design and Innovation Exhibition at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, noting its role in providing young entrepreneurs with a global platform to showcase their talents.
The exhibition is organized by Design Week Lagos, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.
During his visit to the exhibition on Saturday, Prof. Osinbajo expressed his admiration for the innovative products and designs on display. He stressed that, with the right support, these young innovators possess the potential to take the nation to new heights.
He also acknowledged Ecobank for its significant role in advancing Nigeria’s design and creative industries and urged for more public-private collaborations to foster further growth in the sector.
“It’s truly inspiring to see these remarkable products and designs created by young entrepreneurs. You can see the vision, potential, ideas, and passion they’ve poured into these projects. This exhibition bridges talent with commerce, and it’s essential that we encourage them. I commend Ecobank and the organizers for supporting these youths and this industry,” he remarked.
Similarly, Mr Gbajabiamila expressed his gratitude to Ecobank for its support of the initiative.
The former Vice President and the Chief of Staff, along with their wives, were given a guided tour of the exhibition by Titi Ogufere, Founder of Design Week Lagos; Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria; and other exhibition organizers and partners.
The 2025 edition of the exhibition showcases Nigeria’s top talents in furniture, product, and industrial design. Under the theme Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, the exhibition celebrates Nigerian designers’ creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship, while also focusing on industrialization and the export potential of locally made products.
The exhibition features the Manufacturer and Designer’s Pavilion, highlighting collaborations between manufacturers and designers, as well as the Designer’s Pavilion, where 50 individual designers present fresh concepts across various disciplines, including furniture, toys, automotive, and industrial design, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse creative landscape.
The exhibition, which began on Tuesday, February 25, will run until Sunday, March 2.
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